A federal judge has upheld former President Donald Trump’s sentencing in the hush money case involving payments made to silence two women who claimed to have had affairs with him. However, in a surprising turn of events, the judge signaled that Trump may not have to serve any jail time.
The case stems from payments made by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election. The payments were made in an effort to keep the women from going public with their allegations, which could have potentially damaged Trump’s chances of winning the election.
In a ruling on Monday, Judge Victor Marrero upheld Trump’s sentencing, which includes a $375,000 fine and a 400 hours of community service. However, in a departure from the sentencing guidelines, the judge indicated that he may not impose any jail time on Trump.
In his ruling, Judge Marrero cited Trump’s lack of criminal history and his age as mitigating factors in his decision. He also noted that Trump had already faced significant public scrutiny and embarrassment over the hush money payments, which he said could serve as a deterrent against future criminal behavior.
The judge’s decision to potentially spare Trump from serving jail time has sparked controversy and debate among legal experts and commentators. Some argue that it sets a dangerous precedent by letting a powerful and influential individual off the hook for his actions, while others believe that it is a fair and just outcome given the circumstances of the case.
Trump, for his part, has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings, insisting that the payments were made to protect his family and his reputation, rather than to influence the outcome of the election. He has also criticized the case as politically motivated and a witch hunt orchestrated by his opponents.
As the legal battle over the hush money case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Trump will ultimately be spared from serving any jail time. In the meantime, the case serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious relationship between the law, politics, and power in America.