Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, was found guilty on May 30, 2024, of falsifying business records with the intent to commit a second crime. The case revolved around a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to silence her allegations of a sexual encounter with Trump. Accusations were leveled against Trump for falsely documenting reimbursements to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for making this payment. The Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, argued that Trump's actions aimed to conceal a violation of New York election law.
Originally scheduled for sentencing on July 11, Judge Juan Merchan determined there was "no legal impediment" to proceeding with the case. Despite this, sentencing saw multiple delays, first pushed back to November 26, then to September 18, and finally set for January 10. In a video statement prior to sentencing, Trump described the case as "a very terrible experience," labeling it an "injustice" and a "political witch-hunt."
"Everybody should be so accurate. It’s been a political witch hunt… to damage my reputation so that I’d lose the election. Obviously that didn’t work.” – Donald Trump
Trump faced 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, yet Judge Merchan issued a sentence of "unconditional discharge." This means Trump will face no fine, imprisonment, or probation supervision—only the status of being a convicted felon. Judge Merchan emphasized that Trump's presidential election victory did not "reduce the seriousness of the crime or justify its commission in any way."
Despite the lack of penalties beyond being labeled a felon, the case marks a historic moment as Trump becomes the first U.S. president—former or sitting—to face a criminal trial, let alone be found guilty and sentenced.
In explaining his decision to delay sentencing until September 18, Judge Merchan considered whether the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity would affect Trump's guilty verdict. On July 1, the Supreme Court ruled that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
"It was the citizenry of this nation that recently decided that once again you should have the benefits of those protections which include, among other things, the supremacy clause and presidential immunity." – Juan Merchan
"It is through that lens and that reality that this court must determine a lawful sentence." – Juan Merchan
Ultimately, Judge Merchan concluded that an "unconditional discharge" was appropriate given the circumstances.
"Unconditional discharge appears to be the most viable solution." – Juan Merchan
As he addressed Trump in court, Judge Merchan offered his well-wishes for Trump's upcoming term.
"Sir, I wish you godspeed as you assume your second term in office." – Juan Merchan