Trump wins again.
On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump was handed an “unconditional discharge” following his conviction on charges related to falsifying business records. The charges stemmed from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s lengthy investigation into Trump’s business dealings. However, this legal decision has raised concerns for many conservatives, as it represents another chapter in what Trump has repeatedly called the weaponization of the justice system against him.
Despite attempting to block the proceedings at every level, including taking his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, Trump attended his sentencing hearing virtually from his legal team’s office, sitting alongside his defense attorney Todd Blanche. The court ruled that Trump would not serve jail time or face any fines, probation, or other legal penalties. Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw the case, explained that the court had determined the only lawful sentence was an unconditional discharge, thus leaving the door open for Trump to continue appealing the conviction.
In his statement before the judge, Trump vehemently rejected the charges, calling the case a “tremendous setback for the American court system” and a “great embarrassment to the state of New York.” Trump also pointed out that the American people had already decisively voted for him as president, underscoring that no former president or current presidential candidate had ever faced charges like this before.
Trump’s legal team appealed to the New York State Court of Appeals and even filed an emergency motion with the U.S. Supreme Court, but both efforts failed. The Supreme Court’s refusal to stay the proceedings came after it noted that Trump’s sentence would not involve incarceration, meaning it would not significantly impact his ability to fulfill his presidential duties.
With Trump set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, many Republicans see this legal fight as a blatant political attack aimed at undermining his political agenda. Throughout this ordeal, Trump has maintained his innocence and framed the case as part of a broader scheme by the left to damage his standing in the upcoming election. He has labeled it “lawfare” and continues to warn that the system is being manipulated to target him and his supporters.
As the battle over his legal fate rages on, one thing remains clear: the fight between President Trump and the establishment is far from over, and it will undoubtedly shape the political landscape for years to come.