President-elect Donald Trump was granted an unconditional discharge for his criminal conviction in New York on Friday, meaning he will not face fines, imprisonment, or any other penalties.
Trump, both the former and future president, appeared virtually in a Manhattan courtroom for his sentencing on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up a payment to an adult film star.
During the short hearing, New York State Judge Juan Merchan stated that the only lawful sentence, which does not interfere with the office of the president, was an unconditional discharge on all 34 counts.
The 2024 election results hung over the hearing, as Trump was only 10 days away from being inaugurated for a second term in the Oval Office. He contended that the sentencing would hinder his ability to govern.
This marked the first time in history that a former, current, or future U.S. president faced criminal charges in a trial. It was also the only one of Donald Trump's criminal cases to go to trial.
"Trial was a paradox," Judge Merchan remarked, referring to the intense security and media scrutiny. Yet, he noted, "once the doors closed, it was no more unique than the other 32 trials happening in this courthouse at the same time."
While the trial itself might have seemed typical, Merchan emphasized that the context surrounding the sentencing was far from ordinary, as Trump was set to return to the presidency.
"Sir, I wish you godspeed as you assume the office of the president," Merchan said before leaving the bench.
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