Donald Trump was sentenced after the New York Court of Appeals rejected his request to delay proceedings in his hush money case. In May 2024, he was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records tied to a $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. Throughout the trial, Trump denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence.

Despite the potential for up to four years in prison, Judge Juan Merchan granted an unconditional discharge. This decision, typically used for less severe crimes, means Trump avoids jail time but retains the conviction on his record. The ruling was unexpected, given the connection of the charges to attempts at influencing the 2016 election.

Trump’s legal team argued that sentencing during the transition period could hinder the incoming president-elect’s ability to prepare for office. Prosecutors, however, emphasized that no one, including a president-elect, is above the law. The court ultimately sided with the prosecution, affirming that the legal process must proceed regardless of Trump’s upcoming inauguration.

Trump is set to begin his second term on January 20, 2025. This case has sparked renewed debates about the legality and ethics of holding office while facing criminal charges, as well as the potential ramifications for both the justice system and the presidency itself.