President-elect Donald Trump received a formal sentence in his hush money case on Friday, yet the judge opted not to impose any penalties. This resolution confirms Trump’s conviction while allowing him to pursue his ambition to return to the White House without the burden of a potential prison sentence or financial fines.
This penalty-free ruling effectively concludes a remarkable legal saga that became the first instance to place a former president as a criminal defendant in court. As the only one of four criminal cases that progressed to trial, it also holds the distinction of potentially being the sole proceeding to reach this stage.
Following the sentencing, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his disdain for the event, calling it a “despicable charade” and reaffirming his intention to appeal what he labeled as a meritless case. He seeks to restore confidence in the justice system that he believes has been compromised.
Outside the courthouse, a celebratory atmosphere prevailed among a group of Trump supporters who waved flags and carried signs displaying his image. Many attendees regarded the event as a reunion of sorts, connecting with others who had previously gathered for demonstrations related to the trial, while also celebrating his election victory alongside the recent court outcome. “No penalty at all is great news,” remarked Jerry Gasowski, a retired worker who traveled from Long Island. “It’s great news for our country,” he added.
During the sentencing, Judge Juan M. Merchan recounted the trial’s unique circumstances, highlighting that it was unprecedented for a case involving a former president to reach such a stage. Despite facing 34 felony charges, which could have led to a sentence of up to four years in prison, the judge favored an unconditional discharge instead, thereby avoiding complicated constitutional issues and allowing Trump to maintain his role as president-elect without further legal encumbrances.
Trump maintained his assertion of innocence in court, suggesting that the proceedings were orchestrated to tarnish his reputation and derail his chance at re-election. “It’s been a political witch hunt,” Trump declared, emphasizing that he believed the situation was detrimental not just to him, but to the New York court system as a whole.
In light of the case, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass reviewed the conviction and available sentencing options, ultimately suggesting that an unconditional discharge was appropriate considering the unique position of the defendant—a president-elect. He insisted that the ruling should be respected given the unanimous verdict.
Several people opposed to the sentencing gathered outside the courthouse, holding placards that demanded maximum punishment for Trump while his supporters across the street showcased their own sentiments by unfurling a massive banner declaring “TRUMP WON.” Both groups represented starkly different views of the proceedings.
Judge Merchan, in a detailed legal opinion, supported his decision by affirming Trump’s conviction should not be annulled merely because of his recent electoral success. The sentence of “unconditional discharge” means Trump will not face further repercussions beyond the existence of the conviction itself.
Inside the courtroom, technology played a significant role as various large screens facilitated the proceedings. Trump participated via video link, a choice he has made before during other court-related events. His trial lasted over seven weeks, showcasing testimonies from numerous witnesses, including notable figures from Trump’s past.
In this case, Trump was found guilty of 34 charges of falsifying business records related to reimbursements made to his lawyer in connection to payments intended to silence allegations of an extramarital affair. He has consistently argued that the accusations against him are unfounded and politically motivated.
This hush money case remains the only criminal indictment of Trump to face trial, while other pending cases, including federal issues regarding the 2020 election and another related to handling classified documents, are either concluded or currently on hold. The sentencing proceedings are not available for live streaming, as is typically the case for New York state trial courts.
Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over the case, has a history of handling felony cases and maintains a record of impartiality despite ongoing claims of bias from Trump regarding his past political contributions. Despite Trump’s calls for the judge to recuse himself, an ethics panel affirmed that Merchan remains capable of conducting the trial fairly.
