Donald Trump has been granted ‘unconditional discharge’ in historic hush-money case
Found guilty in May 2024 of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election, Trump consistently denied the allegations. Judge Juan Merchan issued an unconditional discharge, sparing Trump jail time but leaving the conviction on his record. The court rejected his legal team’s argument that sentencing during the transition period would hinder his preparation for office, emphasizing that no one is above the law. Set to be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, Trump’s conviction has sparked debates about the legal and ethical challenges of holding office while carrying a criminal record