Donald Trump is scheduled to be sentenced today in his New York hush-money case, marking a dramatic and anticlimactic development in historic criminal proceedings. This sentencing comes just weeks before Trump's presidential inauguration, scheduled for January 20.
First US President to Face Criminal Trial
Trump, the first US president – former or sitting – to face a criminal trial, was found guilty of 34 felony counts on May 30. The charges stem from his efforts to cover up hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who alleged an affair with Trump in 2006.
Unconditional Discharge Expected
Despite the guilty verdict, Judge Juan Merchan has strongly implied that Trump will not face any meaningful consequences. Merchan has hinted at an "unconditional discharge" sentence, which in New York means that the conviction holds, but the defendant will be released "without imprisonment, fine, or probation supervision."
Conviction Without Penalty
While this sentence would make Trump a convicted felon, he would have no penalty other than this legal designation. The Manhattan district attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, argued that Trump falsely recorded reimbursements he made to his former lawyer Michael Cohen for paying $130,000 to Daniels.
Falsifying Business Records
Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records with the intent to commit a second crime. The prosecution contended that Trump's actions were intended to hide his violation of New York election law, which forbids promoting any person to office through unlawful means.
Payoff to Daniels
The payout to Daniels exceeded the legal $2,700 individual campaign contribution limit. Prosecution witnesses testified about Trump's plot with tabloid impresario David Pecker and then-consigliere Cohen to catch and kill accounts of his alleged affairs with Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Concern Over Damaging Reporting
Trump's concern over Daniels' account increased after the October 2016 release of the Access Hollywood hot mic recording, where he boasted about sexual assault. On the tape, Trump bragged that he could grab women "by the pussy" without their consent because he was a star.
Controlling Negative News
Cohen testified that controlling news about Trump was one of his top duties, including negative stories that could thwart his 2016 presidential run. When it emerged that Daniels was trying to sell a story about her alleged 2006 liaison with Trump, Cohen testified that he sprang into action.
Sentencing and Its Implications
The sentencing of Trump is expected to have significant implications for his political future. As the first US president to face criminal trial and sentencing, this development marks a historic moment in American politics.
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