BREAKING: US President Elect, Donald Trump Sentenced In Hush Money Case [DETAILS]—Former President Donald Trump was formally sentenced on Friday in Manhattan for his conviction in the hush money case but avoided any punishment, setting a controversial precedent as he prepares to assume office again.
Judge Juan M. Merchan delivered the ruling, opting for a symbolic sentence that solidified Trump’s conviction without imposing a jail term or fine.
The decision, which circumvents potential constitutional dilemmas, clears the way for Trump, 78, to return to the White House as the first convicted felon to hold the presidency.
During the hearing, Trump described the trial as “a very terrible experience,” maintaining his innocence and denying any wrongdoing.
The case centered on allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign.
The payment was reportedly made to silence claims of a sexual encounter between the two over a decade ago.
This historic trial marked the first time a former president faced a criminal trial while running for office. Despite four criminal indictments against Trump, the hush money case is the only one to have gone to trial, and legal experts suggest it may remain the only one.
In a defiant statement on his social media platform after the sentencing, Trump called the trial “a despicable charade,” vowing to appeal and pledging to “restore trust” in the justice system.
AP reports that in a historic decision, President-elect Donald Trump was formally sentenced Friday in his hush money case, but Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan declined to impose any punishment.
The ruling cements Trump’s conviction on 34 felony charges but allows him to return to the White House unencumbered by the threat of jail time or fines.
The case, which aired sordid details of an alleged plot to silence affair allegations, captivated the nation during a nearly two-month trial. Yet, it appeared to have little impact on Trump’s political fortunes, as voters elected him to a second term.
Outside the courthouse, the atmosphere was celebratory, with dozens of Trump supporters waving flags and signs featuring his image.
Some described the gathering as a reunion for those who had attended demonstrations during the trial, now united in celebration of both the election and the case’s outcome.
“No penalty at all is great news,” said Jerry Gasowski, a retired power plant worker from Long Island. “It’s great news for our country.”
While prosecutors supported the no-penalty sentence, they criticized Trump’s repeated attacks on the legal system.
“The once and future President of the United States has engaged in a coordinated campaign to undermine its legitimacy,” prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said.
In court, Trump sat upright, his lips pursed in a slight frown as Judge Merchan wished him “godspeed in your second term in office.”
Merchan noted the uniqueness of the situation, saying, “Never before has this court been presented with such a remarkable set of circumstances.”
He explained that while the protections afforded to the office of the president are extraordinary, the trial itself adhered to standard judicial procedures.
By issuing an unconditional discharge, Merchan sidestepped potential constitutional challenges, effectively ending the case while ensuring Trump would become the first convicted felon to assume the presidency.
