In a landmark decision this Friday, Donald Trump was found guilty in a case involving irregular payments to silence former adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This marks the first time a U.S. president has been convicted of a criminal offense. However, the verdict carries no prison sentence or fine, as he was granted "unconditional freedom," according to EFE news agency.
Trump, who received the verdict via videoconference, faces no further obligations from the court. This ruling follows a jury's decision in May 2024, which found him guilty of 34 counts related to falsifying business records to secure Daniels' silence before the 2016 presidential election, which Trump won.
The case emerged from an alleged extramarital affair that remained hidden during the campaign. Judge Juan Merchan, while delivering the verdict, emphasized that despite its extraordinary nature, the case is fundamentally a routine legal process, akin to other judicial matters, and he could not "erase the jury's verdict."
Trump, donning a blue suit and a red striped tie, refused the judge's greeting and described the experience as "horrible," maintaining his innocence: "I am totally innocent, I did nothing wrong."
Following the conviction, Trump issued a statement likening it to a "witch hunt defeat," which he claims was orchestrated by the Democratic Party. He asserted that "radical Democrats" had failed in their attempts to target him and that the American people had spoken by giving him an "overwhelming mandate" in the 2024 elections.
Despite his rhetoric, Trump vowed to appeal the verdict, labeling it a "despicable mockery" and an unfounded case, arguing that "THERE IS NO CASE, THERE NEVER WAS."
Although the sentence does not impose jail time or financial penalties, this conviction represents a historic moment in U.S. politics, as no elected president has ever faced a criminal conviction before.
Understanding Trump's Historic Conviction
What is the significance of Trump's conviction?
Trump's conviction is historically significant as it is the first time a U.S. president has been found guilty of a criminal offense. Despite the lack of a prison sentence or fine, it highlights legal accountability at the highest level of government.
Why did Trump receive "unconditional freedom" despite the conviction?
The verdict granted Trump "unconditional freedom," meaning the conviction carried no penalties such as imprisonment or fines. This decision reflects the judge's discretion and the nature of the charges.
How did Trump react to the verdict?
Trump rejected the judge's greeting, described the proceedings as "horrible," and insisted on his innocence. He also compared the conviction to a failed "witch hunt" led by Democrats and announced plans to appeal.