(LOOTPRESS) – A New York judge on Friday sentenced President-elect Donald Trump to an “unconditional discharge” in the hush money case, meaning he is now a convicted felon under New York state law but will face no further penalties.
“This has been a very terrible experience,” Trump said somberly, speaking remotely from his Florida home when given the chance to address the court. “It was done to damage my reputation so I would lose the election. I am totally innocent. I did nothing wrong,” he insisted.
The sentencing comes just 10 days before Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. Trump’s legal team had made repeated attempts to delay the proceedings, but Judge Juan Merchan pressed ahead after higher courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, declined to intervene. The Supreme Court rejected the request to block the proceedings in a 5-4 ruling late Thursday. Trump’s legal team has indicated they will continue to appeal the case.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass told the court that Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts, each punishable by one to four years in prison. However, he recommended an “unconditional discharge” due to the unusual circumstances.
“We must be respectful of the office of the presidency and mindful of the fact that this defendant will be inaugurated in ten days,” Steinglass said. Still, he criticized Trump for behaving as though he was “above the law,” citing his frequent attacks on the judge, prosecutors, and their families. “This defendant has caused enduring damage to the public perception of the criminal justice system,” Steinglass added.
Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche argued that the case was politically motivated, saying it stemmed from campaign promises made by the Manhattan district attorney. “This case assumes that the charges were consistent with New York law, which we strongly disagree with,” Blanche said.
“This is a very sad day—not just for President Trump, his family, and his supporters, but for the country as a whole,” Blanche said, adding that Trump plans to continue appealing the verdict.
