By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-01-10 15:28:08 | Updated at 2025-01-10 18:55:53
3 hours ago
President-elect Donald Trump was formally sentenced Friday in his hush money case, but the judge declined to impose any punishment.
The outcome cements Trump’s conviction while freeing him to return to the White House unencumbered by the threat of a jail term or a fine.
The hearing closed a case that loomed for a time over his successful bid last year to retake the White House.
Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw the six-week trial, had signalled previously he did not plan to send Trump to jail or to fine him.
Trump appeared with his lawyer on TV screens beamed to the courtroom with two American flags in the background. He wore a red tie with white stripes.
By granting an unconditional discharge, Merchan placed a judgment of guilt on Trump’s permanent record, without any other legal penalty such as custody, a fine or probation.
