In May 2024, Donald Trump made history by becoming the first former US president to be convicted of a crime, facing the unprecedented challenge of potentially governing as a convicted felon.

The conviction stems from a case involving a $130,000 payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels, intended to silence her during the 2016 election campaign, a verdict upheld by Judge Juan Merchan.

Judge Merchan clarified that a Supreme Court decision regarding presidential immunity does not apply in this case, as the payments were made prior to Trump taking office.

Trump's legal team had argued that the Supreme Court ruling should grant him immunity for actions taken while in office, but this argument was rejected by the judge.

The judge also dismissed claims from Trump's lawyers that the trial process was compromised by the use of statements from White House staff.

Jurors concluded that Trump made the payment to gain an electoral advantage, which played a significant role in his victory during the election.

As of now, Judge Merchan has not yet determined Trump's sentencing, with the prosecution indicating they are open to delaying it until after Trump's second term concludes in 2029.

It appears unlikely that sentencing will take place before Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, and he may receive a probationary sentence or monetary fine as a first-time offender.

On December 16, 2024, Trump was unsuccessful in his attempts to overturn his 34 felony convictions in a New York court.