In a historic courtroom decision Friday, President-elect Donald Trump received an unconditional discharge after being convicted on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records, stemming from a scheme to conceal a hush money payment during his 2016 presidential campaign. The sentencing marks the conclusion of the first criminal trial ever involving a former president.
Judge Juan Merchan announced the decision in a virtual sentencing session attended by Trump, who maintains his innocence despite the unanimous jury verdict handed down last May.
“After careful analysis and obedience to government mandates pursuant to law, the court feels the only sentence is an unconditional discharge, which is a lawful and permissible sentence for falsifying business records,” Merchan said. “I impose that sentence for all 34 counts, and sir, I wish you godspeed as you pursue your second term in office.”
A Historic and Controversial Trial
The case centered on a payment made to a porn actor in 2016 to silence allegations of an affair—claims Trump continues to deny. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s prosecution alleged that Trump knowingly falsified business records to influence the election outcome, an argument a jury found convincing.
Despite the guilty verdict, Merchan’s decision to impose no further penalty was informed by Trump's impending return to the White House and a recent Supreme Court ruling that broadly shields sitting presidents from criminal prosecution for their official acts. “The protections offered to presidents are not a mitigating factor here,” Merchan clarified. “They do not provide the power to erase a verdict.”
Legal and Political Fallout
Trump had fought to delay sentencing until after his inauguration, arguing presidential immunity should shield him from legal proceedings. Though he failed to halt the case entirely, his legal strategy delayed proceedings for months.
The sentencing now allows Trump to formally appeal the verdict, something he has vowed to pursue vigorously. However, legal analysts suggest any successful appeal would take years to resolve, effectively pausing further criminal proceedings during his presidency.
Legal Team Moves Into Government Roles
In a sign of Trump’s continued reliance on his legal defense team, several attorneys who defended him during the hush money trial are set to take top positions in his administration. Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, key trial lawyers, will assume senior roles at the Department of Justice, while appellate lawyer D. John Sauer is slated to become solicitor general.
Trump’s Defiant Stance
During the sentencing, Trump reiterated his innocence and expressed frustration with the legal process, calling his experience in Manhattan's criminal court system “a very terrible experience” and labeling the trial an “injustice of justice.”
Despite the legal challenges, Trump remains focused on his return to office, with legal experts broadly agreeing his new role will shield him from active criminal prosecution.
