Trump Sentenced in Hush Money Case

President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced in a New York court to an 'unconditional discharge' for his conviction on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in the hush money case involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This sentence means Trump will face no jail time, probation, or fines, allowing him to assume the presidency without legal impediments. Despite his claims of innocence and intentions to appeal, the ruling followed a Supreme Court decision denying his request to block the sentencing. Trump's legal team and the prosecutors did not oppose the no-penalty sentence, but there was criticism of Trump’s rhetoric against the judicial system. The case marks a historic moment as Trump becomes the first convicted felon to assume the presidency. Judge Juan Merchan emphasized the unique circumstances of this case during the sentencing hearing, which Trump attended virtually from Florida.