Donald Trump has been sentenced to an "unconditional discharge" in the hush money case.
The President-elect will not face any fines, probation or jail time for any of the 34 charges laid out for him.
Justice Juan Merchan told the Republican at a court in New York: "I wish you godspeed as you assume your second term in office."
He added that he had concluded that unconditional discharge is "the only lawful sentence, without encroaching upon the highest office of the land."
President-elect Donald Trump appears remotely for a sentencing hearing in front of New York State Judge Juan Merchan
Getty
Todd Blanche, attorney for former US President Donald Trump and the President-elect
GEtty
Justice Merchan said the case was "truly extraordinary" and that "Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances".
Trump was convicted in May 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records. They relate to a payment made to pornography actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Daniels claims she had sex with Trump. He has denied they did.
By granting an unconditional discharge, Justice Merchan would place a judgment of guilt on Trump's permanent record, without any other legal penalty such as custody, a fine or probation.
The President-elect, who returns to the White House on January 20, pleaded not guilty and has vowed to appeal the guilty verdict.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Trump supporters display a giant flag outside the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York,
Getty
Anti-Trump supporters hold signs outside the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York
Getty
Trump said before sentencing, wearing a red tie with white stripes. "It's been a political witch hunt...It was done to damage my reputation so I would lose the election and obviously, that didn’t work. I’m totally innocent, I did nothing wrong.
The 78-year-old, who did not testify during the six-week trial last year, is free to pursue the appeal, a process which could take years and play out while he is serving a four-year term as president.
Trump and his legal team fought hard to avoid the spectacle of being compelled to appear before a state-level judge so close to when he is due to be sworn into office.
The US Supreme Court rejected a last-minute bid by Trump to halt it.
Trump attorney Emil Bove looks on as US President-elect Donald Trump appears remotely for a sentencing hearing
Getty
The sentencing marks the culmination of the first-ever criminal case brought against a US president, past or present.
Consequently, Donald Trump will be the first president to take office with a criminal conviction.
Merchan initially scheduled the sentencing for July 11 but pushed it back multiple times at the businessman-turned-politician's request.
