In March 2023, Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president in history to face criminal charges, when a Manhattan grand jury indicted him on 34 felony counts. Here's a clear, fact-checked rundown of what the indictment said and how the case unfolded.
In March 2023, a Manhattan grand jury indicted former President Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Each count charged falsifying business records in the first degree, a felony under New York Penal Law §175.10.
The indictment came from the Manhattan District Attorney's office, led by District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Prosecutors alleged the false business entries were made with intent to defraud and to conceal another crime.
The case centered on a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election.
The indictment also referenced payments connected to former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Prosecutors said the payments were made to suppress negative stories during the 2016 campaign.
One key document cited in the case was a Trump Organization invoice from Michael Cohen dated February 14, 2017.
Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, made the original payment to Stormy Daniels and was later reimbursed by the Trump Organization.
Trump pleaded not guilty to all 34 counts at his arraignment in Manhattan on April 4, 2023.
This indictment made Trump the first current or former U.S. president to be criminally charged.
A New York jury convicted Trump on all 34 felony counts on May 30, 2024, after a weeks-long trial.
On January 10, 2025, Judge Juan Merchan sentenced Trump to an 'unconditional discharge,' meaning no jail time, probation, or fine.
The judge said the unconditional discharge was the only sentence available that would not interfere with the incoming presidency.
Despite the sentence, the felony conviction remains on Trump's record.
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