On Friday, January 10, 2025, Donald Trump became the first US President to appear in court for sentencing. He attended the hearing via Zoom with his lawyer.
The President-elect was convicted on 34 charges last year relating to business fraud and hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress with whom Trump had an affair while his wife was pregnant with their son, Barron, in 2006. Trump paid Daniels off a decade later to keep her quiet about the affair during his run for President.
Judge Juan Merchan, the New York District Judge presiding over the case, sentenced Trump to unconditional discharge. He faces no jail time, penalties, or probation for his crimes but will remain listed as a felon. This means on January 20, when Trump takes the oath of office, he will become the first convicted felon to serve as US President.
“Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances,” Judge Merchan said before reading the sentencing.
Considering the remarkable circumstances, the prosecuting attorney, Joshua Steinglass, also recommended unconditional discharge as the sentencing for Trump. “Your honor indicated an inclination to impose an unconditional discharge under all the circumstances of this case, this unique posture, and the defendant’s status as president-elect, the people recommend a sentence of unconditional discharge,” he said.
Steinglass also noted that Trump had shown no remorse and had spent several months attempting to undermine the jury’s verdict while Trump crossed his arms and shook his head. However, he also acknowledged that any conditional discharge could impede Trump’s upcoming duties as President.
Despite getting off with virtually no consequences, Trump’s attorney indicated they plan to appeal the verdict. “Much of what the government just said presupposes that this case is legally appropriate,” Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, said. Blanche was also recently appointed deputy attorney general for Trump’s upcoming cabinet.
“I very much disagree with much of what the government just said about this case, about the legitimacy of what happened in this courtroom during the trial, and about President Trump’s conduct fighting this case,” Blanche continued.
Before adjourning the proceedings, Trump also addressed the court. “It’s been a political witch hunt; it was done to damage my reputation,” he said. Trump continued denying any wrongdoing and mentioned his 2024 election victory in which he claimed to win the popular vote by “millions and millions.”
