Just days before Donald Trump is set to take the oath of office as the 47th US President on January 20, the former president faced sentencing for his hush-money conviction on Thursday, CNN reports.
Trump was handed an ‘unconditional discharge’ by Judge Juan Merchan, who emphasized that the legal protections afforded to the office of the presidency do not justify his actions. An unconditional discharge means Donald Trump will face no fines, jail time, or probation.
Donald Trump and his lawyer Todd Blanche appeared in a virtual hearing alongside him.
Defence attorney Todd Blanche, speaking during the hearing, described the sentencing as “a sad day” not just for Trump, but for the country. “It’s a very sad day. It’s a sad day for President Trump, for his family and friends, but also in counsel’s view, a sad day for this country,” Blanche said. He criticized the prosecution, calling the case politically motivated and arguing that Trump’s conduct was legitimate.
“A majority of the American people also agree that this case should not have been brought,” Blanche added.
Judge Merchan acknowledged the seriousness of the payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign but noted that the unique legal protections afforded to a sitting president were a significant factor. “However, the considerable, indeed extraordinary legal protections afforded the office of the chief executive is a factor that overrides all others,” Merchan said. He also made clear that while these protections exist, they do not lessen the seriousness of the crime or excuse its commission.
Trump, who remained silent as the judge concluded the hearing, stands accused of making a $130,000 payment to Daniels. Prosecutors argue that this payment was part of an illegal conspiracy to undermine the 2016 presidential election. The money was funneled through his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, and falsely recorded as legal expenses. Despite repeatedly denying any wrongdoing, the jury’s verdict upheld the charges earlier this month.
The case revolves around the $130,000 payment to Daniels, with prosecutors claiming Trump was part of an illegal effort to reimburse Cohen and falsely categorize the payment as legal expenses. Judge Merchan rejected Trump’s arguments, stating that his previous re-election bid did not warrant the dismissal of the case.
