President-elect Trump gets sentenced to an unconditional discharge, avoids all trouble in hush money case

President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced on Friday in his hush money case, receiving an unconditional discharge. This means he will avoid prison, fines, or probation, but remains a convicted felon just days before his inauguration for a second term.

During the virtual hearing, New York prosecutors criticized Trump for attacking the rule of law and undermining the legitimacy of the judicial process by targeting the judge and others involved in the case. Trump’s defense team, pledging to appeal, argued that the case should never have been brought, calling it a “sad day for this country.”

Judge Juan Merchan, who had been criticized by Trump during the trial, stated that the unconditional discharge was the “only lawful sentence” to protect “the office of the president … not the occupant of the office.” He concluded the hearing by saying, “Sir, I wish you godspeed as you assume your second term in office.”

Under New York state law, an unconditional discharge is a sentence imposed without imprisonment, fine, or probation. A judge can impose this sentence if they believe that no proper purpose would be served by imposing any condition upon the defendant’s release.

Appearing virtually, Trump maintained his innocence, stating, “I’m totally innocent. I did nothing wrong.” He criticized the case, expressing disbelief that he was indicted for what he described as labeling a legal expense appropriately. He also referenced his recent election victory, suggesting that the public understands the situation, and concluded by saying, “I was treated very very unfairly, and I thank you very much.”

This sentencing finalizes Trump’s unprecedented status as the first former president to be a convicted criminal. The case involved allegations of influencing the 2016 election by paying off an adult film actress who claimed to have had an affair with Trump in 2006. Trump was convicted by a jury in May following a six-week trial. His sentencing was delayed multiple times due to legal appeals and his presidential campaign but proceeded after the U.S. Supreme Court denied further delays.

Trump’s legal team continues to assert his innocence and plans to appeal the conviction. As he prepares to take the oath of office for his second term, the implications of his status as a convicted felon remain a topic of significant discussion.