Donald Trump’s Unconditional Discharge Before Inauguration
Hush-Money Case: President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced to an unconditional discharge on January 10, 2025, in connection with his hush-money conviction, just 10 days before his inauguration. He becomes the first person convicted of a felony to take office as president. Trump appeared virtually from his Florida club after the Supreme Court declined to intervene in the case.
The Hush-Money Case
The charges against Trump stemmed from accusations that he falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress who claims to have had an affair with him in 2006. Trump denied the affair and called the prosecution politically motivated.
Trump’s Emotional Statement During Sentencing
During the sentencing, Trump reiterated his innocence, stating, “The fact is, I’m totally innocent. I did nothing wrong.” He also talked about his 2024 election win, claiming that he won the popular vote by “millions and millions of votes” and secured all seven swing states. Trump suggested that voters were aware of the trial and understood his actions.
Trump further explained that his legal fees had been recorded by accountants as legal expenses, not personally by him, and again called the case a “political witch hunt.”
Prosecutor’s Criticism of Trump’s Behavior
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass highlighted that the probation officer’s report stated Trump believed he was “above the law.” He also referred to Judge Juan Merchan’s previous remarks, calling Trump’s actions a “direct attack on the rule of law” and accusing him of causing lasting damage to public trust in the justice system. Steinglass criticized Trump for showing no remorse and continuing to attack the court, jury, and prosecutors.
He emphasized that the jury’s verdict was unanimous and should be respected, noting that while Trump could have faced a prison sentence, his status and the unique circumstances led to the recommendation of an unconditional discharge.
Details of the Charges
The charges against Trump were related to a $130,000 Hush-Money Case payment to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Daniels alleged a sexual encounter with Trump, which he denied. Prosecutors accused Trump of conspiring to suppress election-related information by reimbursing his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for the payment and misclassifying it as a legal expense.
Although the crime carried a maximum sentence of four years in prison, Trump’s status as a first-time offender made jail time unlikely. Trump had pleaded not guilty and called the case a politically motivated attack.
Legal Timeline
- March 2023: Trump was indicted by Manhattan District Attorney (DA) for the hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels.
- May 30, 2024: Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the scheme to suppress election-related information.
- November 19, 2024: The DA agreed to delay sentencing for a motion to dismiss.
- November 22, 2024: Judge Merchan allowed Trump to file a motion to dismiss and postponed sentencing.
- January 3, 2025: Judge Merchan rejected the motion to dismiss and upheld Trump’s conviction.
- January 10, 2025: Trump was granted an unconditional discharge.
YOU MAY LIKE IT: Biden awards Medal of Freedom to Messi, Soros and others