A New York judge on Friday sentenced US President-elect Donald Trump to an unconditional discharge after his conviction for falsifying business records related to hush money payments to a porn star.
The sentencing followed Trump’s conviction in May 2024 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. While the charges carried potential jail time or fines, Judge Juan Merchan opted for the mildest criminal sanction available—a relatively rare unconditional discharge.
“Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances,” Merchan said. “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, who attended the sentencing virtually, described the legal process as a “terrible experience” and criticized its impact on New York and its judicial system.
“This has been a very terrible experience. I think it’s been a tremendous setback for New York and the New York court system,” he said before the judge issued the ruling.
The sentencing took place in the Manhattan courtroom where Trump’s trial, marked by high drama and contentious legal battles, unfolded. Trump’s legal team, including attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, appeared alongside him virtually during the proceedings.
The case, which made Trump the first US president-elect to face felony charges, has drawn significant public attention and sparked widespread debate.
