The New York judge presiding over Donald Trump’s hush money case sentenced the president-elect today to an “unconditional discharge.” While this means Trump is now considered a convicted felon under New York state law, he will face no further penalties.
“This has been a very terrible experience,” Trump said solemnly, speaking remotely from his Florida home. Addressing the court, he added, “It was done to damage my reputation so I would lose the election. I am totally innocent. I did nothing wrong.”
The ruling comes just eight days before Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States.
Judge Juan Merchan, who delivered the sentence, acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the case. “Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances,” he said.
Merchan explained that Trump’s impending immunity and legal protections as president influenced the decision to impose an unconditional discharge. He described it as “the only lawful sentence that permits entry of a judgment of conviction without encroaching upon the highest office in the land.”
This resolution concludes one of the most closely watched legal battles in recent political history, leaving Trump’s conviction on the record without impacting his upcoming presidency.
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