JUDGE Merchan has just given Trump his sentence – unconditional discharge on all 34 charges, as expected.
“I wish you godspeed as you assume your second term in office,” he says.
Merchan tells the court that he has determined that unconditional discharge is “the only lawful sentence, without encroaching upon the highest office of the land”.
An unconditional discharge means Trump does not face any fines, probation or jail time.
“Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances,” Merchan remarked.
“The only lawful sentence that permits entry of a judgment of conviction without encroaching on the highest office of the land is an unconditional discharge.”
Trump attended the sentencing virtually as the judge, lawyers, and media filled the Manhattan courtroom, the scene of a dramatic trial that included legal wrangling and Trump’s fiery public commentary.
“This has been a terrible experience. I think it’s been a tremendous setback for New York and the New York court system,” Trump said before the discharge was issued.
“It was done to damage my reputation so I would lose the election.”
Appearing via video, Trump was shown with two large US flags behind him, wearing a red tie with white stripes, as he impatiently watched the proceedings.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass, ahead of sentencing, described Trump’s actions as a “premeditated and continuous deception.”
“The verdict in this case was unanimous and decisive, and it must be respected,” Steinglass said.
During the trial, witnesses testified that Trump fraudulently concealed payments to porn star Stormy Daniels to prevent her from revealing their alleged affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election, which Trump won.
Trump sought a suspension of the criminal proceedings after the New York State appeals court dismissed his attempt to delay the hearing. However, the Supreme Court ruled the sentencing could proceed.