President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced today. He was convicted on 34 charges last year. Business fraud involving payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Judge Joan Murchin sentenced Trump to an unconditional discharge. The sentence, which was expected, means Trump will remain a felon but face no jail time, fines or probation if convicted in the hush money case.

“Never before has this court been presented with such unique and remarkable circumstances,” Murchan said.

Friday’s sentencing underscores the fact that Trump The convicted will be the first offender. to become president.

Here’s what happened in court on Friday:

Prosecutor’s recommendation: Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass recommended an unconditional discharge for Trump.

Steinglass listed things he said Trump did after the verdict to undermine the jury’s verdict, while Trump leaned back in his chair and folded his arms, shaking his head together. . Prosecutor Told the court that Trump “has been far from expressing any remorse for his criminal conduct” and has “encouraged others to reject the jury’s verdict.”

He acknowledged that any other conditional discharge would have the potential to interfere with Trump’s duties as president. Said in court“We must respect the office of the presidency” and its pending inauguration.

Plan to appeal the decision: After Steinglass’ comments in court, Trump attorney Todd Blanch said, “A lot of what the government has just said suggests that this case is legally sound,” noting that Trump Lawyers of Intend to appeal against the decision..

Blanche, who belongs to Trump. Election of Deputy Attorney Generalargued for the president-elect, saying he disagreed with the prosecution, while Trump waited without commenting on what his lawyers were telling the judge.

Trump’s statement: Trump began his statement at today’s hearing by saying “it’s been a very horrible experience” and insisting he is innocent.

Trump left after the indictment and allegations of falsifying business records. Chose not to testify at trial.. He said that the legal fees were not paid by him but by his accountants. The president-elect also discussed his 2024 election victory, telling the court that he won the popular vote by “millions and millions of votes.”

Trump also released a statement via social media, condemning the sentence. “A despicable charade.”

Listen to the hearing.: The court released the audio of the proceedings immediately after today’s hearing. Listen to Trump and Judge Joan Murchin. Recording here.

How we got here: The president-elect successfully used the courts to delay the hearing, originally scheduled for July. And urged the US Supreme Court. to block his conviction at trial – a highly unusual request that hinges on a court decision last year to convict him Broad immunity from criminal prosecution. On Thursday, the High Court… Rejected Trump’s emergency request for a delay in sentencing.