Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded with sharp criticism after being granted an “unconditional discharge” in the hush money case on Friday. Trump took to Truth Social to condemn what he described as a “pathetic, unAmerican Witch Hunt” by “Radical Democrats,” accusing them of wasting significant time and resources on the investigation instead of addressing pressing issues such as crime in New York City and the state.
In his post, Trump accused the Biden-Harris administration of coordinating with what he called the “Weaponized” Justice Department, alleging political motives behind the charges. He claimed the allegations were “baseless, illegal, and fake” and pointed to the court’s decision as proof of the case’s lack of merit.
“The Radical Democrats have lost another pathetic, unAmerican Witch Hunt. After spending tens of millions of dollars and wasting over six years of obsessive work, they have failed again,” Trump wrote. “This effort should have been spent protecting New Yorkers from violent, rampant crime that is destroying the city and state. Instead, they coordinated with the Biden/Harris Department of Injustice in a lawless weaponization of justice to bring baseless charges against me. I was given an UNCONDITIONAL DISCHARGE.”
Judge Juan Merchan’s sentencing on Friday ensured Trump would not face jail time, penalties, or probation despite being convicted in May 2023 for falsifying business records. The conviction stemmed from allegations that Trump sought to conceal payments made by his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump has consistently denied the affair and any wrongdoing.
The decision leaves Trump as a convicted felon, though he faces no immediate consequences under this ruling. Trump, however, declared his intention to appeal, describing the legal proceedings as a “despicable charade” and emphasizing his re-election as a vindication of his claims.
In his statement, Trump further criticized the judicial process, pointing to what he called a “highly conflicted judge,” a witness with a “troubled legal history,” and alleged election interference.
“Legal Scholars and Experts have said THERE IS NO CASE, THERE WAS NEVER A CASE. The American People have spoken by re-electing me with an overwhelming MANDATE in one of the most consequential elections in history,” Trump asserted. “This case had no crime, no damages, no proof, and no law—only political persecution. Now that it is over, we will appeal this Hoax and restore trust in our once-great system of justice. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump’s comments continue to highlight the politically charged nature of the legal battles surrounding him, which have divided public opinion and drawn intense scrutiny as he seeks to reassert his position on the national stage.
