Trump Sentenced in New York Hush Money Case, Avoids Jail as Inauguration Nears

This post was originally published on The Washington Informer By Stacy M. Brown President-elect Donald Trump received an unconditional discharge Friday in the New York “hush money” case, appearing virtually from his Mar-a-Lago home for a sentencing that leaves him free of jail time, fines or probation as he prepares for his inauguration on Jan. 20. Judge Juan Merchan stated that the unconditional discharge was the only legal option available just days before Trump assumed the presidency. He called the case “truly extraordinary” and said that while the trial itself was not unusual, the sentencing circumstances were unique. He said legal protections were tied to the presidency, “not the occupant of the office.” Trump offered no remorse during the hearing and later posted on social media, calling the case a “political witch hunt.” The case focused on a $130,000 payment made to an adult film actress during Trump’s 2016 campaign. Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified business records to hide the payment. Despite a conviction on 34 felony counts, Trump avoided any sanction, becoming the first president or president-elect to carry a felony conviction without immediate consequences. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass described Trump’s actions, accusing him of undermining the justice system. “Instead...