Donald Trump has spoken out after avoiding prison time or fines in what has been described as an “extraordinary” sentencing for his hush money convictions, calling the legal process a “great embarrassment.”
According to Sky News, US President-elect Donald Trump will not face incarceration or monetary penalties for his criminal convictions related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, following a ruling by Justice Juan Merchan.
Merchan sentenced Trump to an unconditional discharge, meaning the incoming president remains convicted and guilty of the crimes, but no punishment will be enforced.
Before the sentencing, the judge explained that the “considerable” legal protections granted to a president were the primary factor in the decision.
“The considerable, indeed extraordinary, legal protection afforded by the office of the chief executive is a factor that overrides all others,” Merchan stated. “Despite the extraordinary breadth of those protections, one power they do not provide is the power to erase jury verdicts.”
Trump, who pleaded not guilty and plans to appeal the ruling, addressed the court via video call alongside his attorney. He described the case as a politically motivated “embarrassment” designed to derail his re-election campaign.
“This has been a very terrible experience,” Trump said before the sentencing. “I’m totally innocent. I did nothing wrong.”