Trump Sentenced to Unconditional Discharge for 34 Felony Counts, Becomes First President with Felony Conviction

Jan 13, 2025, 03:31 PM

President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced to an unconditional discharge by New York Judge Juan Merchan in a case involving 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made during his 2016 presidential campaign. This sentence, handed down on January 10, 2025, means Trump will not face any jail time, fines, or probation, despite the conviction. The sentencing marks Trump as the first president to enter the White House with a felony conviction on his record. Trump, who appeared remotely, criticized the sentence as a 'political witch hunt' aimed at damaging his reputation. The unconditional discharge allows Trump to appeal the conviction without immediate penalties, and it was described by Judge Merchan as the 'only lawful sentence' that does not encroach upon the office of the president.