Donald Trump is set to be sentenced on Friday for his role in covering up hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. This conviction, which stems from 34 counts of falsifying business records, makes Trump the first former US president to be convicted of a felony. Despite the charges carrying potential prison time, it is expected that Trump will not face jail but rather receive a relatively rare criminal sanction: an unconditional discharge. This means that while the conviction will stand, Trump will face no additional sanctions or restrictions.
The sentencing will take place in a Manhattan courtroom, where the trial’s drama unfolded with legal battles and personal attacks. The case centered around Trump’s efforts to suppress Daniels’ claims of an affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Daniels testified about the encounter with Trump, which he denied, as well as his alleged flirtation and interest in the adult film industry. Despite the court limiting explicit testimony, the trial added to Trump’s controversial legacy.
Trump’s legal team had made a last-minute attempt to delay the sentencing, seeking intervention from the US Supreme Court. However, the Court ruled that the sentencing could proceed, and the appeals for suspension were rejected. Prosecutors argued that Trump’s legal maneuvering was an attempt to delay justice, pointing out that the former president still had state-level avenues of appeal.
As Trump approaches his second presidential term, the legal process continues to hang over him. Legal experts believe that the unconditional discharge will allow Trump to avoid jail, yet the conviction will remain a significant mark on his record. Trump’s actions have drawn harsh criticism from legal professionals, with some arguing that he has shown contempt for the judicial system.
While the sentencing takes place just days before Trump’s swearing-in, it adds another chapter to the legal challenges he faces as the newly elected president of the United States.
