If you’ve spent any time on the internet or watching the news lately, you’ve definitely seen the number 34 floating around. It's almost become a meme at this point. People keep asking, does Trump have 34 felonies, and the answer is actually a lot more layered than a simple "yes" or "no" because of how the American legal system works.
The short version? Yeah, a jury in Manhattan found him guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records back in May 2024. But here in early 2026, the situation has shifted into this weird legal limbo that only happens when you're the President of the United States.
Honestly, it’s a mess.
The Verdict Heard 'Round the World
Let’s go back to that wood-paneled courtroom in lower Manhattan. It was May 30, 2024. After weeks of testimony from people like Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, the jury came back with a "guilty" verdict on every single count.
Every. Single. One.
This made Donald Trump the first former U.S. president to ever be a convicted felon. At the time, it felt like the world stopped. The 34 counts weren't 34 different crimes in the way we usually think—like 34 different robberies. They were 34 specific business documents that the prosecution argued were faked to hide a "hush money" payment.
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Breaking Down the 34 Counts
Basically, the Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, didn’t just charge him with one big crime. He sliced it up. Each time a check was signed, or an invoice was processed, or a ledger entry was made to reimburse Michael Cohen for the $130,000 paid to Stormy Daniels, it counted as a separate felony.
Here is how that math actually worked:
- 11 Invoices: Every time Michael Cohen sent a bill for his "legal services" (which the jury decided were actually reimbursements), that was a count.
- 11 Checks: Each physical check signed to pay those invoices.
- 12 Ledger Entries: The internal "vouchers" and book entries at the Trump Organization that recorded these as legal expenses.
When you add those up, you get 34. Under New York law, specifically Penal Law §175.10, falsifying these records is usually a misdemeanor. But it becomes a felony if you do it to hide another crime. Bragg argued that the "other crime" was a violation of state election laws—basically trying to influence the 2016 election through "unlawful means."
The "Unconditional Discharge" Twist
So, if he was convicted, why isn't he in jail?
Well, a lot happened after the trial. Trump won the 2024 election. Being the President-elect, and then the President again, changed everything. Judge Juan Merchan faced a historic dilemma: how do you sentence a sitting President?
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On January 10, 2025, just before the inauguration, Merchan delivered a sentence of unconditional discharge.
This is a legal term that basically means: "You are guilty, the conviction stays on your record, but we aren't going to give you any punishment—no jail, no probation, no fines." It was a way for the court to recognize the jury's verdict without causing a constitutional crisis by trying to put the Commander-in-Chief behind bars.
Does the Conviction Still Exist in 2026?
This is where it gets kinda tricky.
Technically, yes, as of right now, those 34 felony convictions are "on the books." He is a convicted felon. However, Trump’s legal team has been fighting like crazy to have them thrown out entirely.
They’ve used two main arguments:
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- Presidential Immunity: They’ve cited the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling that says presidents have broad immunity for "official acts." While the hush money stuff happened before he was president, some of the evidence used in the trial (like tweets and conversations with staff) happened while he was in the White House.
- The "Sitting President" Problem: His lawyers argue that a state court can't hold a conviction over a sitting President because it interferes with his ability to run the country.
In late 2025, Trump filed a formal appeal to have the whole thing vacated. Because he is currently in the White House, the case is essentially frozen. It’s like a computer that’s "not responding" but hasn't been turned off yet.
What This Means for the Future
If you're looking for a clear ending to this story, you're going to be disappointed. The legal battle over whether those 34 felonies will stay on his record will likely drag on until he leaves office in 2029.
If the appeals court agrees with him, the 34 counts could be wiped away as if they never happened. If they disagree, he’ll remain a convicted felon throughout his entire second term.
Practical Takeaways
Whether you're a supporter or a critic, it’s helpful to understand the reality of where things stand.
- The Conviction is Real: A jury of 12 citizens did find him guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.
- The Sentence is Zero: He serves no time and pays no money because of the "unconditional discharge" ruling.
- The Appeal is Pending: The convictions are currently being challenged based on the Supreme Court's immunity ruling.
- The Timeline is Long: Don't expect a final "final" answer on whether these felonies stick until the appeals process reaches the New York Court of Appeals or even the U.S. Supreme Court again.
To keep track of this, you should look for updates regarding the Manhattan Appellate Division's rulings on the immunity claims. That is where the next major "yes" or "no" will come from regarding those 34 counts. For now, the most accurate answer to "does Trump have 34 felonies" is: Yes, he has the convictions, but no, he has no sentence, and the whole thing is under heavy legal fire.