President-elect Donald Trump has been sentenced to an “unconditional discharge” following his conviction on 34 charges of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.
The sentence, issued by New York state Judge Juan Merchan, means Trump will face no imprisonment, fines, or probation, though the conviction will remain on record.
This development makes Trump the first US president-elect to be sentenced for a criminal conviction. Despite the ruling, Trump will assume office on January 20 as a convicted felon. The sentence followed the recommendation of prosecutors, who emphasized the need to respect the office of the presidency and Trump’s upcoming inauguration.
The case stems from allegations that Trump authorized his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to pay $130,000 to Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair in 2006, which Trump denies. Daniels testified during the trial, and Trump was convicted in May 2024.
The sentencing was allowed to proceed after the US Supreme Court rejected Trump’s appeal to halt the case in a narrow 5-4 decision. Commenting on the ruling, Trump described it as a “fair decision” and hinted at pursuing further appeals.
While the unconditional discharge spares Trump immediate legal penalties, the conviction casts a historic shadow over his presidency.
