2 days ago
The case centers on a $130,000 payment by Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen, to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. This led to Trump's conviction for falsifying business records and breaking state election law.
Donald Trump's hush money case: Conviction and appeal plans unfold. (AP Photo)
UPDATED: Jan 5, 2025 00:20 IST
US President-elect Donald Trump will be sentenced on January 10 in the hush money case, just days before his planned return to the White House.
The decision, issued by New York Judge Juan Merchan, outlines a conditional discharge, meaning the case will be dismissed if Trump avoids re-arrest. Trump has the option to attend the sentencing either in person or virtually.
“It seems proper at this juncture to make known the Court's inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration... Prosecutors did not believe a jail term was a practicable recommendation," the judge stated.
What is the Hush Money Case
The case centers around a payment made by Donald Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign. Daniels alleged she was paid $130,000 to remain silent about her alleged affair with Trump.
While testifying, Cohen admitted to making the payment under Trump's direction. Trump has consistently denied the allegations. Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records connected to the payment. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office claims Trump incorrectly recorded the reimbursement to Cohen as legal expenses, thereby violating state election law.
Trump’s Response to Sentencing
Trump denounced the sentencing decision as an “illegitimate political attack” and plans to file an appeal, potentially delaying the proceedings. Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called the case a "Rigged Charade."
His spokesperson, Steven Cheung, labeled the ruling a “violation of presidential immunity,” citing last year’s Supreme Court decision that grants former presidents immunity for official acts carried out during their tenure.
Are Hush Money Payments Illegal?
Hush money payments themselves are not illegal. However, the Manhattan DA alleges Trump falsified business records to conceal a second crime — a violation of state election law.
(With inputs from AP)
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Jan 5, 2025
