Trump to Receive Unconditional Discharge at Sentencing

President-elect Donald Trump is set to be sentenced on January 10 by Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan for his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. The judge indicated that Trump would receive an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail time, fine, or probation, allowing him to assume office as a convicted felon. Trump has criticized the ruling as a 'political attack' and 'Rigged Charade,' claiming it violates the Constitution and presidential immunity. Judge Merchan rejected Trump's appeal to dismiss the verdict based on presidential immunity and emphasized the importance of respecting the jury's decision. Legal experts note that while Trump can appeal the conviction, he cannot pardon himself since the case was tried in state court. The decision upholds the conviction but does not hinder Trump's return to the presidency.