NEW YORK — In a landmark moment in U.S. history, President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced on January 10 for his involvement in a hush money scheme, marking the first time a former president faces such a conviction. The sentencing occurred just ten days before he is set to assume the presidency again.

Despite being convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, Judge Juan M. Merchan ruled to impose an unconditional discharge, meaning Trump will face no fines, probation, or jail time. This decision allows him to return to the White House unencumbered as the first convicted felon to hold the office, a landmark development reported by SCMP.

Judge Merchan stated, “It is the legal protections afforded to the office of the president of the United States that are extraordinary, not the occupant of the office,” highlighting the unique circumstances of Trump's case. Prosecutors, while agreeing to the no-penalty sentence, emphasized that Trump's actions had significant negative implications for public trust in the criminal justice system, as stated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

During the virtual hearing, which Trump attended from his Mar-a-Lago estate, he maintained his innocence and characterized the proceedings as a "political witch hunt." Trump argued, "The people of our country got to see this firsthand," implying that his electoral victory was a validation of his claims against the justice system. "I won and got the largest number of votes by far of any Republican candidate in history," he asserted.

This sentencing not only finalizes Trump’s felony conviction but also allows him to appeal the decision while holding his office. Trump's defense has contended that the case should be annulled due to presidential immunity, utilizing a Supreme Court ruling that supports broad protections for sitting presidents, reported by LA Times.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass stated that Trump had engaged in a concerted campaign to undermine public confidence in the legal system. He noted that Trump’s view of himself as above the law has detrimental effects on judicial integrity.

The political fallout from the case was evident as Trump’s support among some voters seems to have solidified despite the conviction. While Trump's challenges in court continue to loom, the implications of his no-penalty sentencing are profound and highlight ongoing tensions within the political landscape.

For more details on this unprecedented case and its implications on the future, visit ABC News.