Trump made a virtual appearance for the court proceedings and lashed out at what he deemed an unfair process, just hours after the Supreme Court shot down his bid to avoid his sentencing.

"I am totally innocent. I did nothing wrong," said Trump, who is still under a gag order in the case.

"This has been a political witch hunt," he continued. "It was done to damage my reputation so I would lose the election," he added, referring to last fall’s presiential election, which he won.

Technically, Trump could have been sentenced up to four years in prison, but Judge Juan Merchan handed down a sentence of an unconditional discharge for the 34 counts Trump was convicted of falsifying business records in May to cover up $130,000 in hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. They payment were made to keep Daniels' story of an alleged 2006 affair with Trump from coming out during the 2016 presidential election.

The special circumstance of the unconditional discharge means that Trump will not have to serve any prison time, nor will he have to pay any monetary penalties.

"At this time, I impose that sentence to cover all 34 counts," said Merchan, who wished Trump godspeed for his second term in the White House.

"Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances," he continued. "This has been a truly extraordinary case."

Trump called the proceedings a "setback for New York,” with his legal team planning to appeal his sentencing.

"This has been a very terrible experience," said Trump during his virtual hearing, adding that the case was "inappropriately handled" by New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whom Trump called a "criminal."

AzVision.az

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