Trump’s Sentencing Moment and Judge’s Final Remark on Court Case Following President-Elect’s Criticism

AUDIO reveals the moment Donald Trump was sentenced over hush money payments after he scolded the judge and blasted the case as an “embarrassment.”

The wealthy businessman, aged 78, has recently been granted an unconditional discharge after being found guilty on 34 counts linked to altering business documents.

Trump becomes the first former president and president-elect to be a convicted felon.

He appeared virtually at his sentencing and didn’t respond when Judge Juan Merchan greeted him.

Trump was wearing a red tie with white stripes as he tuned into the hearing.

He claimed the case has been a “tremendous setback” for the state of New York and its court system.

And he said that no crime had been committed.

Trump claimed he had been treated “very, very unfairly” and labeled the case as an “embarrassment.”

Trump was given an unconditional discharge sentence, meaning he has been spared jail and will not face a fine.

And, there are no further conditions attached to Trump’s sentence, such as probation.

In a meeting with Trump, Merchan explained that the only appropriate sentence, according to the court’s examination, was an unconditional discharge that would allow the conviction to be recorded.

“At this time, I impose a sentence to cover all 34 counts.”

Merchan wished the president-elect “godspeed” for his second term in a parting comment.

In the audio playback, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass claimed Trump spread disdain for the rule of law.

He said the Republican found the jury verdict distasteful.

He reeled off language that Trump had used throughout the trial, such as rigged and witchhunt.

He claimed Trump’s threats were designed to have a chilling effect on those who enforce laws.

Merchan characterized the trial as exceptional, but noted that once the courtroom doors closed, it was no more remarkable than any other case.

TRUMP PROTESTS INNOCENCE

Ahead of the sentencing, the tycoon once again protested his innocence in a lengthy Truth Social post.

“Every Legal Scholar stated, unequivocally, that this is a case that should never have been brought,” he said.

“There was no case against me. In other words, I am innocent of all of the Judge’s made-up, fake charges.

“This was nothing other than the Weaponization of our Justice System against a Political Opponent.

“It’s called Lawfare, and nothing like this has ever happened in the United States of America, and it should never be allowed to happen again.”

Trump took to Truth Social moments after the sentence was announced and claimed the case was a “scam.”

“Today’s event was a despicable charade, and now that it is over, we will appeal this Hoax, which has no merit, and restore the trust of Americans in our once great System of Justice,” he wrote.

Trump was indicted in 2023 over allegations he had falsified business records.

He went on a trial in Manhattan in April 2024 before being convicted on 34 counts weeks later.

Trump’s sentencing was initially slated for July but was repeatedly pushed back

A sentencing date for January 10 was set last week, prompting Trump to file a flurry of last-ditch appeals in a bid to pause the hearing.

His attempts to file motions with a New York appeals court and Supreme Court proved unsuccessful.

Trump’s sentencing took place just 10 days before the Inauguration.

Now that Trump has been sentenced, he can appeal the conviction.