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Donald Trump acquitted without penalty in Stormy Daniels case: no fine or jail time on 34 counts

Judge Merchan upholds guilty verdict, but issues a sentence of ‘unconditional release’. Trump speaks of a ‘witch hunt’ and reiterates his innocence

Donald Trump will not serve any time for the 34 counts related to payments to porn star Stormy Daniels that occurred during the 2016 presidential campaign. Judge Juan Merchan, in the New York trial, upheld the guilty verdict but decided to issue a sentence of ‘unconditional release’, ruling out both jail time and fines for the president-elect.

During his speech, Merchan emphasised that the power of the presidency does not include the power to overturn a jury verdict, describing the case as unique and extraordinary. He reiterated that although the protections afforded to the chief executive are considerable, they do not diminish the seriousness of the crime committed.

Trump, remotely connected to the courtroom in New York, described the trial as a ‘political witch hunt’ orchestrated to damage his reputation. Reiterating his innocence, he linked his recent election victory in November to voters’ understanding of what he sees as judicial persecution.

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