Former President Donald Trump was sentenced in his felony hush money case on Friday, but the judge decided not to impose any punishment, allowing Trump to return to the White House without the threat of jail time or fines. This sentencing marks the conclusion of an extraordinary case that had Trump as a criminal defendant for the first time. The case alleged that Trump had falsified his business records in order to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair. Trump has denied the allegations and insisted he did not commit a crime throughout the trial.
Despite being convicted on all counts, the judge issued Trump an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail time, probation, or fines would be imposed. Prosecutors supported this decision but criticized Trump’s attacks on the legal system throughout and after the trial. Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, applauded the decision and stated that Trump would be assuming the presidency in 10 days.
The case was part of a wider effort to keep voters from hearing about Trump’s alleged extramarital escapades and his handling of classified documents, resulting in several criminal indictments against him that have ended or stalled ahead of trial. Finally, despite the legal detours and the sordid details that emerged during the trial, voters re-elected Trump to a second term, showing that the case did not significantly affect his popularity with his base.
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