Trump avoids jail time in historic sentencing

President-elect Donald Trump received an unconditional discharge in his hush-money case, sparing him from prison, fines, or probation but officially labeling him a convicted felon.

The decision adds complexity to his presidency, with his second inauguration just 10 days away.

Prosecutors accused Trump of undermining the judicial process through attacks on the judge and others involved in the case. His defense criticized the ruling as a “sad day for the country” and plans to appeal.

Judge Juan Merchan justified the sentence as necessary to protect the integrity of the presidency, emphasizing that the safeguards apply to the office, not its occupant.

The case highlights tensions between Trump’s legal challenges and his upcoming role as the nation’s 47th president.