Key facts
- Todd Blanche believes Donald Trump would have faced prison without winning the 2024 election.
- Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts in the hush money trial.
- Blanche alleged prosecutors used 'tainted' evidence and that jurors were predisposed against Trump.
- Blanche claimed Trump's presidential campaign shielded him from prosecution in other cases.
- The judge granted Trump an unconditional discharge after his conviction.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that President Donald Trump would have "absolutely" faced prison time if he had not won the 2024 presidential election. Blanche, who led Trump's defense in the 2024 hush money trial where Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, made these remarks on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity." Blanche argued that Trump's conviction was a result of politically motivated prosecution, alleging that prosecutors used "tainted" evidence and that the jury was biased. He suggested that Trump's presidential status protected him from potential jail time in this case and others, such as a "D.C. case" and a "Florida case." Blanche claimed that if Trump had not run for president, these legal issues would not have arisen. The judge granted Trump an unconditional discharge, affirming his status as a convicted felon without imposing further penalties. The Manhattan District Attorney's office described the crimes as an "illegal scheme to corrupt the 2016 election."