Trump sentenced to ‘unconditional discharge’ in hush money case

Donald Trump has been sentenced to an “unconditional discharge” in a case of hush money paid to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star.

An unconditional discharge means the US president-elect does not face any fines, probation, or jail time.

Juan Merchan, presiding judge, handed the anti-climatic sentence on Friday, ending a case that has dragged on for nearly a year.

Merchan described the case as “truly extraordinary”.

“Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances,” he added.

Trump was first indicted in March 2023 by the Manhattan district attorney on state charges related to a $130,000 payout to Daniels in 2016.

On May 30, 2024, Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records.

The verdict made Trump the first former president in US history to be convicted of a felony.

Trump will also be the first US president to be convicted when he assumes office on January 20.

Paying hush money is not illegal in New York, the charges stemmed from how Trump reimbursed his lawyer — who paid Daniels.

Trump was charged with falsifying business records to conceal the payment to Daniels in exchange for her silence about a sexual encounter she claimed happened with the former president in 2006.

Prosecutors also accused Trump of taking part in an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election and an unlawful plan to suppress “negative information” revolving around the adult film star.

Friday’s sentencing was recommended as prosecutors noted that the office of the presidency must be respected amid Trump’s pending inauguration.

US presidents have absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for those official acts which fall within their “exclusive sphere of constitutional authority”.

Merchan said an unconditional discharge is “the only lawful sentence, without encroaching upon the highest office of the land”.

“I wish you godspeed as you assume your second term in office,” the judge told Trump who joined the hearing virtually.