President-elect Donald Trump received an unconditional discharge on Friday after being found guilty on charges of falsifying business records in a case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The decision, made by Judge Juan Merchan, ensures that Trump faces no prison time, fines, or probation, while preserving his ability to appeal the conviction.
Trump attended the sentencing virtually alongside his defense attorney, Todd Blanche. Despite the outcome, the president-elect described the case as a “tremendous setback for the American court system” and an “embarrassment to the state of New York.”
“This is a great embarrassment to the state of New York,” Trump said during the hearing. He further criticized the Justice Department’s involvement, calling it unprecedented. “This case has never happened in our country before. I was treated very, very unfairly, and I thank you very much.”
Judge Merchan, citing a thorough review of the law, stated that an unconditional discharge was the only lawful sentence in this unique case. “After careful analysis, this court determined the only lawful sentence that permits entry of judgment of conviction is an unconditional discharge,” Merchan announced. “At this time, I impose that sentence to cover all 34 counts.”
The ruling came just ten days before Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. Judge Merchan wished him “Godspeed” in assuming his second term, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the case.
In a highly unusual move, Merchan had informed Trump of the sentencing decision in advance. He explained that the case presented a unique set of circumstances but maintained that the trial itself was conducted as any other case once the courtroom doors were closed. “Never before has this court been presented with such a unique set of circumstances,” Merchan reflected. “The imposition of sentence is one of the most difficult decisions any criminal court judge is called to make.”
Trump’s legal team attempted to block the sentencing through appeals to both the New York State Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Both efforts were denied. The Supreme Court’s order, issued Thursday night, stated that the alleged evidentiary violations could be addressed on appeal and emphasized the minimal burden the virtual sentencing hearing imposed on Trump’s responsibilities.
The court’s order noted, “Justice Thomas, Justice Alito, Justice Gorsuch, and Justice Kavanaugh would grant the application.” However, the majority, including Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, denied Trump’s request, aligning with the liberal wing of the court.
The sentencing follows a yearslong investigation led by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, with the trial drawing significant public and media attention. The charges stemmed from allegations that Trump falsified business records, a charge his defense has consistently dismissed as politically motivated. Trump has maintained his innocence, framing the case as an example of “lawfare” aimed at undermining his election efforts.
Despite the conviction, Trump is set to be sworn in on January 20, resuming his role as commander-in-chief. The unconditional discharge ensures that Trump will face no immediate consequences, but the legal and political ramifications of this case will likely continue to be a topic of national discussion as he begins his second term in office.