Key Takeaways:

• Donald Trump was sentenced to an unconditional discharge by Judge Juan Merchan after being convicted of falsifying business records.
• Trump claimed political motivation behind the charges, arguing it was a "witch hunt" designed to tarnish his reputation before the election.
• The hearing, held via video from Palm Beach, was historic, marking the first criminal sentencing of a former or future president.
• Judge Merchan emphasized the need to respect the office of the presidency while highlighting the seriousness of the charges.
• Trump plans to pursue an appeal, insisting the case should never have been brought to trial.

In a historic court proceeding on Friday, President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced to an unconditional discharge following his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. This result concluded the cases tied to payments made to his former attorney Michael Cohen to reimburse him for hush money given to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign. Trump appeared remotely from his home in Palm Beach, Florida, as Judge Juan M. Merchan addressed the court.

In his remarks, Trump considered the proceedings a devastating setback for New York and expressed disdain for how the legal system handled his case. “This has been a very terrible experience,” he said, stressing that he believed the situation was a significant embarrassment for the city. He went on to describe the charges against him as politically motivated, claiming that they amounted to "lawfare" directed by his political opponents to obstruct his presidential ambitions.

The judge, acknowledging the unique context of the case, reiterated that while the offenses were serious, the nature of Trump’s role as president-elect necessitated a lenient approach to sentencing. “The protections afforded the office of the president are not a mitigating factor,” Judge Merchan stated, while clarifying that the unlawful acts by the defendant do not justify their commission. This ruling, he argued, was necessary to enter judgment on the conviction without interfering with his upcoming duties as president. For a detailed account of the court's proceedings, the full transcript is available through ABC News.

During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Josh Steinglass addressed the court, noting Trump’s actions had undermined the legitimacy of the judicial system. His statements highlighted that the jury’s unanimous decision should be respected, asserting the case's gravity went beyond mere business record keeping. The prosecutor pointed out that this case reflected a broader pattern of behavior aimed at discrediting the judicial system and posed a challenge to public trust in the rule of law.

Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, defended the former president's actions, arguing that the case was instituted as a political tactic. He underscored the lack of legal grounds for pursuing these allegations as serious offenses, predicting a successful appeal on Trump's behalf. The defense contended that public opinion would side with Trump, as citizens have expressed skepticism regarding the motivations behind the prosecution.

Trump himself reiterated these views, claiming the charges were an injustice and showcased a systemic bias within the political and legal landscapes of the United States. “It’s been a political witch hunt,” he insisted, highlighting what he viewed as a concerted effort to diminish his reputation leading into the election.

As Judge Merchan concluded the proceedings, he wished Trump well as he prepares to assume office again. Trump's legal team is already preparing to file an appeal, as Trump's contentious relationship with the legal system continues to unfold. For ongoing coverage of this historic case, refer to the original articles from AP News and ABC News.