Trump Gets No Punishment After Conviction In NY Hush Money Case
Trump has denied her claims and any wrongdoing, saying the case was part of a coordinated “witch hunt” intended to undermine his re-election.
The hush-money trial centered around Trump approving a $130,000 payment to an adult-film star during the 2016 presidential campaign to keep her from going public with allegations that they had an affair a decade earlier.
Trump has denied her claims and any wrongdoing, saying the case was part of a coordinated “witch hunt” intended to undermine his re-election.
Trump has stepped up his fight since his November election victory to erase the conviction and is expected to seek to overturn his verdict through the appeals process. The case could return to the US Supreme Court for final resolution after New York’s appellate courts rule.
Video Appearance
In the hearing Friday, which lasted about 40 minutes, Trump spoke virtually for several minutes, reprising his familiar complaints about District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the decision to prosecute him, and what he describes as the weaknesses of the case.
“This has been a very terrible experience,” Trump said, appearing by video from Mar-a-Lago and seated at a table in front of two large American flags.
Trump defended his actions around the business records at the center of the case, saying he properly accounted for them as legal fees or expenses.
“For this, I got indicted,” Trump said. “It’s incredible, actually.”
The judge spoke for several minutes before imposing no punishment on Trump, saying it was a “unique and remarkable” case.
‘Unprecedented’ Case
Merchan described the case as “unprecedented” and said that the court had never been presented with “such a unique set of circumstances” involving a case of a former and future president. He said that if Trump was an ordinary defendant the sentencing likely could have been different.
“The protections afforded the office of a president are not a mitigating factor,” Merchan said. “The protections are however a legal mandate pursuant to the rule of law that this court must follow” but added that “they do not have the power to erase a jury verdict.”
As the hearing closed, Merchan wrapped up the proceedings quickly.
“Therefore, at this time I impose that sentence to cover all 34 counts,” Merchan said. “Sir, I wish you godspeed as you return to office.”
