If you’ve spent any time on the internet or watching the news lately, you’ve probably heard a dozen different versions of the same story. Some people talk like it’s a settled fact that Donald Trump is a felon. Others swear up and down that the whole thing was thrown out the window the second he won the election. Honestly, the reality is a lot more nuanced—and a bit weirder—than most people realize.
So, let's cut to the chase: was trump ever convicted of a felony?
Yeah, he was. Specifically, on May 30, 2024, a jury in Manhattan found him guilty on 34 counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree. That’s a Class E felony in New York. It was a massive moment in American history—the first time a former president ever sat in a courtroom and heard the word "guilty" read out by a jury of his peers.
But if you’re looking for him to be in a jumpsuit, you're looking at the wrong timeline. Even though the conviction happened, what followed was a legal chess match that essentially froze everything in place.
The Manhattan Verdict: 34 Counts of What, Exactly?
The whole case revolved around what the media dubbed "hush money," but the actual charges were about paperwork. Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified invoices, ledger entries, and checks to hide a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. The goal, they said, was to keep a story about an alleged affair from blowing up right before the 2016 election.
It wasn't just about the lie; it was about the reason for the lie. In New York, falsifying records is usually a misdemeanor. It only becomes a felony if you do it to commit or conceal another crime. In this case, DA Alvin Bragg argued the "other crime" was a conspiracy to promote an election by unlawful means.
The jury agreed. All 34 times.
The Sentence That Wasn’t Really a Punishment
For months, everyone wondered: would he actually go to jail? Judge Juan Merchan had a lot of leeway. He could have given Trump probation or even up to four years in prison. But then the 2024 election happened.
Shortly after Trump won his second term, the legal reality shifted. By January 10, 2025—just days before his inauguration—Judge Merchan handed down a sentence of unconditional discharge.
Basically, this means the court says, "You’re guilty, and it’s on your record, but we aren’t going to give you any actual punishment." No jail, no fines, no probation. The judge noted the "unique and difficult" nature of the case, and practically speaking, you can't really put a sitting president in a local New York jail without triggering a constitutional crisis that would make your head spin.
Why the Conviction is Still "Active" (For Now)
If you're asking if the conviction is still on the books today in early 2026, the answer is yes. But it’s currently hanging by a thread in the appeals process.
Trump’s legal team, led by guys like Robert Giuffra Jr., filed a massive 96-page appeal in late 2025. They’re throwing everything at the wall. They’ve argued that:
- The judge should have stepped down (recusal).
- The case was brought for political reasons.
- The Supreme Court’s immunity ruling from July 2024 means certain evidence used in the trial (like tweets or conversations with White House staff) shouldn't have been allowed.
That last point is the big one. The Supreme Court decided that presidents have broad immunity for "official acts." Trump’s team says that because some of the evidence presented to the jury involved his time in the Oval Office, the whole verdict is tainted and should be erased.
Can a President Pardon Himself for This?
Short answer: No.
The President’s pardon power only covers federal crimes. This Manhattan case was a state-level prosecution. Even if Trump wanted to sign a piece of paper wiping away his New York felonies, he doesn't have the legal authority to do it. Only the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, could do that, and let's just say she isn't exactly rushing to do him any favors.
The "F-Word" and the 2026 Reality
Technically, Trump is still a convicted felon as we speak. He’s the first person to ever hold the office with that label. But in his day-to-day life as President, it hasn't changed much. He still travels the world, signs bills, and runs the country.
The biggest impact is probably historical and symbolic. It’s a permanent asterisk next to his name in the history books. However, if the New York Court of Appeals or eventually the U.S. Supreme Court decides to overturn the verdict based on that immunity ruling, that asterisk could disappear.
What You Should Keep an Eye On:
- The Immunity Challenge: Watch the New York Court of Appeals. If they agree that "official acts" evidence was used improperly, they could order a new trial or toss the conviction entirely.
- The Supreme Court Factor: If the state courts say no, Trump will almost certainly take this back to the U.S. Supreme Court. Given the current 6-3 conservative majority, his chances of getting the conviction vacated there are pretty high.
- The Record: Until a higher court says otherwise, those 34 counts remain on his record in Manhattan.
If you’re trying to keep track of this for a debate or just to stay informed, the most accurate thing you can say is: "He was convicted on 34 felony counts, he received a sentence of unconditional discharge, and the case is currently being appealed." It's a mouthful, but it's the only way to be 100% right.
To stay updated on the legal proceedings, you can check the public dockets at the New York Unified Court System website or follow legal analysts who specialize in New York criminal law, like former prosecutors who explain the "inside baseball" of the Manhattan DA's office.
Next Steps for Staying Informed:
- Monitor the NY Court of Appeals calendar for oral arguments regarding the "hush money" appeal, likely scheduled for later this year.
- Differentiate between the cases: Remember that this New York case is separate from the federal cases (Classified Documents and Jan 6th), which have largely been stalled or dismissed due to DOJ policies regarding sitting presidents.
- Review the SCOTUS Immunity Ruling (Trump v. United States): Understanding the difference between "official" and "unofficial" acts is the key to knowing whether this conviction will ultimately stick or be overturned.