A judge has sentenced U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to an “unconditional discharge,” marking the end of the first criminal trial involving a former U.S. president.
This sentence in the hush-money payment case means Trump faces no penalties, including jail time or fines. However, he will still take office as the first U.S. president with a felony conviction.
“Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances,” Justice Juan Merchan remarked before announcing the sentence, calling the case “truly extraordinary.”
Appearing via video call from Florida, surrounded by his attorney and two large American flags, Trump asserted his “total innocence” for the first time beyond a simple “not guilty” plea. He took several minutes to rail against the case, calling it a “terrible experience” and accusing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of pursuing the case for political reasons. “I was treated very, very unfairly,” he said before briefly stopping to compose himself. He also remarked that Bragg never wanted to bring the case, prompting a small chuckle from Bragg, who maintained a mostly stoic demeanor throughout Trump’s speech.
Justice Merchan reflected on the “paradox” of the trial, noting that, despite the media frenzy outside, “once the courtroom doors were closed, it was no more unique than any other case.” He further acknowledged that Trump’s election to a second presidential term after his conviction raised complex legal questions. After careful consideration, the judge determined that an “unconditional discharge” was the only lawful sentence that wouldn’t interfere with the nation’s highest office.
Trump was found guilty in May 2024 of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in connection with a hush-money scheme to silence adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign. Prosecutors argued the payment was an attempt to influence the election by preventing voters from learning about the alleged affair.
Trump denied the charges, asserting that the case was politically motivated. The six-week trial became a media and political spectacle, with key figures like Michael Cohen and Daniels testifying. Throughout, Trump used the trial to rally his supporters, raising funds for his legal battles and his presidential campaign.
While Trump faced multiple indictments, this was the only one to go to trial. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November election. His victory effectively ended the two federal prosecutions against him, including one related to election interference and another involving mishandling classified documents.
As the trial came to a close, Trump’s legal team continued to file appeals, including a request to dismiss the case based on the argument that a president-elect enjoys immunity from criminal prosecution, which Justice Merchan rejected.
With the conclusion of this trial, Trump now faces the unique distinction of being the first U.S. president to enter office with a felony conviction. In closing, Justice Merchan wished him well, stating, “I wish you Godspeed as you assume your second term in office.”
