Trump Sentenced Over Hush Money Payments

Donald Trump, recently convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, described his sentencing as a 'despicable charade' and plans to appeal the decision. New York Judge Juan Merchan granted Trump an unconditional discharge, allowing him to avoid prison time due to his status as president-elect, making him the first convicted felon to assume office. Trump criticized the prosecution, claiming there was 'no crime, no damages, no proof' in the case, and labeled the judge and the star witness as biased and untrustworthy. Legal experts noted that the leniency shown to Trump is unprecedented, raising questions about how he would have been treated if he had not won the election. The Supreme Court denied Trump's last-minute request to halt sentencing, further complicating his legal situation as he prepares for his inauguration. Trump's legal team attempted to delay the proceedings but were unsuccessful, solidifying his controversial place in American political history.