Trump Sentenced to Unconditional Discharge Over Hush Money Cover-Up, Becomes First Felon in White House

A New York judge on Friday sentenced U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to an unconditional discharge in a case involving hush money payments to a porn star, marking a historic moment as Trump becomes the first felon to assume the presidency. Judge Juan Merchan, delivering the verdict during a virtual court session attended by Trump, explained that the sentence was carefully crafted to uphold the law without infringing upon the authority of the presidency. “This court has determined that the only lawful sentence permitting a judgment of conviction without encroaching on the highest office of the land is an unconditional discharge,” Merchan stated. The ruling followed Trump’s last-ditch legal efforts to avoid a conviction, which were ultimately unsuccessful. Despite the sentence, Trump’s conviction will not result in any immediate penalties such as imprisonment or probation, allowing him to assume the presidency without legal impediments. The case stemmed from allegations that Trump orchestrated and concealed payments to silence claims of an affair, raising questions about the intersection of legal accountability and executive privilege. Legal experts suggest the unprecedented ruling could reshape the boundaries of presidential immunity in future cases. The sentencing has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that it sets a troubling precedent, while Trump’s supporters maintain that the outcome reinforces his eligibility to lead. The case remains a focal point of political and legal discourse as Trump prepares to take office under extraordinary circumstances.