Takeaways from the sentencing hearing of Donald Trump
CNN
Donald Trump was sentenced without penalty in the New York hush money case Friday after a symbolic – and historic and unprecedented – hearing following the first felony conviction of a former and soon-to-be sitting president.
Donald Trump was sentenced without penalty in the New York hush money case Friday after a symbolic – and historic and unprecedented – hearing following the first felony conviction of a former and soon-to-be sitting president. Judge Juan Merchan spoke to Trump for several minutes, telling the president-elect that it was the office of the presidency – and not the occupant – that was afforded extraordinary legal protections requiring him to impose a sentence of unconditional discharge without any punishment. Trump chose to speak before Merchan imposed his sentence, showing zero contrition and launching into the same attacks against the “political witch hunt” that he’s been claiming since he was first indicted more than 20 months ago. Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records. While he has vowed to keep fighting the conviction through the appeals courts, Friday’s sentencing cements the fact that Trump will be the first convicted felon to become president 10 days from now. Here’s what to know from the hearing: Merchan already signaled he would not sentence Trump to any punishment, let alone jail time. That’s something the US Supreme Court noted when it allowed the hearing to go forward in a 5-4 ruling Thursday night, over Trump’s objections.
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