In a groundbreaking legal decision, US President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced to an unconditional discharge in the hush-money payment case, making him the first US president to take office with a felony conviction.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Juan Merchan, concludes the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president.
“This court has never been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances,” Merchan remarked, calling the case “truly extraordinary” during the sentencing. The decision spares Trump from any penalties, including jail time or fines.
Appearing via video call from Florida, flanked by his attorney and two American flags, Trump vehemently declared his innocence. This marked his most extensive public comments in the year-and-a-half-long legal saga, during which he previously offered only “not guilty” pleas or brief affirmations.
Granted the chance to speak ahead of his sentencing, Trump railed against the case for several minutes. He claimed there had been a “weaponisation” of the judicial system and claimed the case was brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for political reasons.
The trial revolved around allegations that Trump orchestrated hush-money payments during his 2016 presidential campaign, a move prosecutors argued violated campaign finance laws. The felony conviction, although not resulting in penalties, casts a significant shadow over Trump’s political career and his upcoming presidency.