In 2023, Donald Trump was indicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal payments made to Stormy Daniels, a pornographic film actress, as hush money. The payments, totaling $420,000, were intended to buy her silence over a sexual encounter between them. The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, accused Trump of falsifying these records with the intent to commit other crimes, including violating federal campaign finance limits and tax fraud.
The trial began on April 15, 2024, and concluded on May 30, 2024, with Trump being convicted on all counts. This made him the first U.S. president to be convicted of a felony. Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued that Trump's 2016 campaign sought to benefit from the hush money payment through his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who was reimbursed via a false retainer agreement. The defense argued that Trump was unaware of any unlawful scheme and that Cohen was unreliable as a witness.
Following his conviction, Trump faced several delays in sentencing due to his 2024 presidential election victory. His legal team argued that, as president-elect, he should have immunity from criminal proceedings. However, this argument was rejected by the courts. Trump's sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2025, just days before he is set to return to the White House. The judge has indicated that Trump will likely receive an unconditional discharge, meaning the conviction stands but without jail time, a fine, or probation.
This trial has been a historic and unprecedented event, highlighting the complexities of legal proceedings involving a former and future president. Trump's legal battles are expected to continue as he appeals his conviction after sentencing
