Former President Trump Sentenced to Unconditional Discharge Following Criminal Trial
Former President Donald J. Trump received an unconditional discharge in his sentencing following a criminal trial related to a scheme to cover up a sexual encounter with a porn star.
Unlike Donald J. Trump's criminal trial, which lasted seven weeks, his sentencing was brief and largely symbolic. The president-elect was convicted in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Mr. Trump will be the first felon to occupy the Oval Office when he is inaugurated in 10 days. The sentencing was recommended as an unconditional discharge by prosecutor Joshua Steinglass due to Trump's status as president-elect.
Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, argued against the trial, stating that the majority of the American people agreed it should not have been brought. Despite the conviction, Trump maintained his innocence and criticized the case as being politically motivated.
The judge, Justice Merchan, defended his sentencing decision as the only lawful one he could hand down, distinguishing Trump the individual from Trump the president-elect. Trump plans to appeal the conviction as he prepares to assume office as the 47th president of the United States.