Trump escapes punishment in hush money case

A New York court on Friday discharged US President-elect Donald Trump unconditionally in the hush money case involving misappropriation of corporate funds by falsifying business accounts in connection with a $130,000 payment made to adult porn star Stormy Daniels. 

New York state Judge Juan Merchan of the Manhattan criminal court, in New York City, had, in May 2024, convicted Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business accounts for making hush money payments. The $130,000 payment was allegedly arranged by Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen to silence Daniels on an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2016, during his first term as President.

With the unconditional discharge President-elect Donald Trump he will avoid jail time, fines or probation, clearing his path to presidency.

In giving an unconditional discharge, the judge used his discretionary powers to decide as to whether imposing any conditions will serve any purpose.

Delivering the verdict, Judge Merchan said the court decided against encroaching on the highest office of the land and determined on a sentence that avoids a conflict. The judge also wished Trump for a better second term as President.

New York prosecutor had also recommended that the President-elect should not be jailed over his criminal conviction. 

Judge Merchan had, during Trump’s trial last year, denied the president-elect’s request to dismiss the case. 

Trump who attended the court proceedings remotely, later described the trial as a 'very terrible experience.'

Donald Trump, who will assume US presidency on 20 January, will be the first American president to face a criminal trial.