Payam Javan: President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled for sentencing on January 10, 2025, following his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over the trial, indicated that Trump would receive an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail time, fines, or probation, despite the felony conviction.

This decision positions Trump to become the first U.S. president to assume office with a felony conviction. Judge Merchan rejected Trump’s legal team’s motions to dismiss the case on grounds of presidential immunity and potential disruptions to governance, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the jury’s verdict. Trump has criticized the case as a politically motivated attack and is expected to appeal the conviction.