Trump Sentenced in Hush Money Case, Returns to White House with Felony Conviction

Trump Sentenced in Hush Money Case, Avoids Jail Time

President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced to no punishment in his historic hush money case on Friday. The sentence allows him to return to the White House without facing jail time or a fine.

The case marked the first criminal prosecution and conviction of a former U.S. president and major presidential candidate. It was also the only one of Mr. Trump's four criminal indictments that went to trial. The sentencing came just 10 days before his inauguration for his second term.

In a statement to the court, Mr. Trump called the case "a weaponization of government" and "an embarrassment to New York." He maintained his innocence.

Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan could have sentenced the 78-year-old to up to four years in prison. Instead, he chose a sentence that effectively ends the case but ensures that Mr. Trump will become the first president to take office with a felony conviction on his record.

Mr. Trump's no-penalty sentence, called an unconditional discharge, is rare for felony convictions. The judge said he had to respect Mr. Trump's upcoming legal protections as president, while also giving due consideration to the jury's decision.

The case involved charges of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payoff to porn actor Stormy Daniels. Mr. Trump was accused of hiding the payment to prevent voters from learning about an alleged affair. He denies the affair and any wrongdoing.

Mr. Trump's lawyers tried unsuccessfully to forestall a trial and later to get the conviction overturned or the sentencing postponed. They argued for presidential immunity from prosecution, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

With the hush money case concluded, Mr. Trump can now focus on his upcoming inauguration and the challenges of his second term.