US Court sentences Trump in hush money trial

A court in the United States of America  judge has sentenced the United States President-elect Donald Trump in his hush-money case.

Diaspora Digital Media recalled that Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records last May, however his sentencing was postponed severally.

The judge sentenced the US President-elect Donald Trump to an “unconditional discharge,” in what would be an end to the first criminal trial of a former US president.

The development means that Trump who would be sworn in on January 20th after ratification of his election result has been spared any penalty, including jail time or a fine.

Justice Juan Merchan, who ultimately ordered Trump to appear on Friday, said: “This court has determined that the only lawful sentence that permits entry of judgement or conviction without encroaching on the highest office in the land is an unconditional discharge.”

Trump appeared virtually from Florida and gave a brief speech, saying he was “totally innocent.”

Trump had made a last minute effort to stop the sentencing, however his appeal was dismissed.

Trump camp is yet to react to the development as of the time of this report.

Background…

The Trump trial, also known as the People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump, revolves around Trump’s alleged role in making hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.

In 2016, Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about her alleged affair with Trump.

The payment was made through a shell company, and he later reimbursed Cohen for the payment Prosecutors allege that he falsified business records to conceal the payment, which is a felony under New York state law.

In March 2023, a Manhattan grand jury indicted him on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.

The indictment marked the first time a former U.S. President had been charged with a crime.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and claimed that the investigation was a “witch hunt”.

The trial began in April 2024, with prosecutors presenting evidence that Trump had knowingly and intentionally falsified business records to conceal the payment to Daniels.

Trump’s defense team argued that he was unaware of any wrongdoing and that the payment was a legitimate business expense.

In May 2024, the prosecution rested its case, and the defense presented its case, calling only two witnesses.

Trump’s sentencing was initially scheduled for November 2024 but was delayed due to his election victory.

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