Hush Money Case: Trump Sentenced to ‘Unconditional Discharge’
Donald Trump has been sentenced to an “unconditional discharge” in the hush money case against adult film star Stormy Daniels.
An unconditional discharge means that the president-elect of the United States will not serve fines, probation, or jail time. Judge Juan Melchan issued the anti-climatic ruling on Friday, ending a case that had dragged on for nearly a year.
Judge Melchan described the case as “truly extraordinary. He added, “Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances.”
Trump was first indicted by the Manhattan District Attorney in March 2023 on state charges related to a $130,000 payment to Daniels in 2016; on May 30, 2024, Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records.
With this conviction, Trump became the first former president in U.S. history to be convicted of a felony. Trump will also be the first U.S. president to be convicted when he takes office on May 20.
The payment of hush money is not illegal in New York, and the charges stem from the way Trump paid Daniels to reimburse his lawyer.
Trump was charged with falsifying business records to conceal payments to Daniels in exchange for her silence about a sexual encounter she claims occurred with the former president in 2006. Prosecutors also accused Trump of illegally conspiring to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election and participating in an illegal scheme to suppress “negative information” about the porn star.
Friday’s ruling was recommended as prosecutors noted that Trump’s presidency must be respected as his inauguration nears. The President of the United States enjoys absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts that fall within his “exclusive constitutional powers.”
Mr. Marchand said the unconditional discharge was “the only lawful sentence without violating the highest office of the State.” The judge told President Trump, who was virtually present at the hearing, “I wish you God’s blessings as you begin your second term in office.”
