NEW YORK — President-elect Donald Trump, convicted on 34 felony counts in a hush-money case, was formally sentenced Friday but received no penalty.
The ruling cements Trump’s conviction without impeding his return to the White House.
Judge Juan M. Merchan issued an unconditional discharge, sparing Trump jail time, fines, or probation. The sentence avoids constitutional challenges that could have arisen from imposing penalties on a sitting president-elect. Trump, 78, will now become the first individual convicted of a felony to assume the presidency.
The case stemmed from allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment made during his 2016 campaign to silence claims of an extramarital affair. Trump denies any wrongdoing, labeling the trial a “political witch hunt” and insisting the charges were fabricated to damage his reputation.
“This has been a very terrible experience,” Trump said during his virtual sentencing. “I committed no crime.”
Prosecutors argued that Trump’s actions undermined the integrity of New York’s financial marketplace and public trust in the justice system. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the offenses as serious violations that caused “enduring damage” to the perception of the legal system.
Throughout the trial, Trump and his legal team attacked the credibility of the proceedings. His lawyers unsuccessfully sought to delay the trial, citing claims of presidential immunity and the upcoming transition to his second term.
The hush money payments were arranged by Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, and recorded as legal expenses. Cohen testified that the payments aimed to prevent political fallout during the election. Trump maintains the payments were personal and unrelated to campaign activities.
Public reaction to the case remained polarized, with supporters and critics gathering outside the courtroom. Banners ranged from “Trump is guilty” to “Stop political witch hunts.”
Trump is set to be inaugurated in 10 days.
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