Trump’s Hush Money Case Verdict: Unconditional Release, Becomes the First Former President with a Felony Conviction in U.S. History | WPN World People News

President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20. However, last year, he was found guilty on 34 charges related to the hush money case by a Manhattan jury. On January 11, the sentencing was held at the New York State Supreme Court. Judge Merchan of the New York State Supreme Court stated that, due to presidential immunity, Trump would be "unconditionally released." This also confirmed that Trump would be the first former U.S. president with a felony conviction in history.

Before the 2016 election, Trump had falsified business records to pay adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 in hush money. All 34 charges related to this case were found to be valid. The sentencing was originally scheduled for November 26 of last year, but it was postponed indefinitely after Trump won the U.S. presidential election. However, it was later announced that the verdict would be delivered on January 11, with Trump attending via video conference.

Judge Merchan declared: "This court rules that the only legal judgment that can be made without infringing upon the nation's highest office (the presidency) is unconditional release." He also wished Trump "smooth sailing in his second term."

In response to the ruling, Trump described it as "a disgrace to the system," accusing those involved of trying to damage his reputation and asserting that he had been treated unfairly. He indicated that he would appeal the decision to the fullest extent.