Trump Re-Elected Despite Felony Conviction

Donald Trump, recently elected as President, was sentenced in his hush money case but received an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail time or fines were imposed. He had been convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up payments to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels. Despite his conviction, which could have led to up to four years in prison, Judge Juan Merchan chose not to impose any punishment, citing the legal protections Trump will have as President. Trump criticized the trial as a 'political witch hunt' and insisted on his innocence, claiming the case was intended to damage his reputation. This sentencing marks the first time a U.S. president-elect has been convicted of a felony, yet it did not prevent his re-election. His efforts to cancel the sentencing via the Supreme Court were unsuccessful, as Justices saw the burden on his presidential duties as insubstantial given the unconditional discharge outcome.