Hush connection: Donald Trump sentenced
In a landmark ruling, a judge has sentenced United States President-elect Donald Trump in his hush-money case.
Last May, Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, but his sentencing had been postponed several times.
The judge sentenced President-elect Trump to an “unconditional discharge,” marking the conclusion of the first criminal trial involving a former US president.
This development means that Trump, who is set to be sworn in on January 20th following the ratification of his election results, will face no penalties, including jail time or fines.
Justice Juan Merchan, who ultimately ordered Trump’s virtual appearance on Friday, stated: “This court has determined that the only lawful sentence that permits entry of judgment or conviction without encroaching on the highest office in the land is an unconditional discharge.
Trump appeared virtually from Florida and delivered a brief speech, asserting his “total innocence.”
Despite making a last-minute attempt to halt the sentencing, his appeal was dismissed.
It US President-elect on Friday denounced the judge’s decision to set a sentencing date in his Hushpuppi money trial before his January 20 inauguration as an “illegitimate political attack.”