Judge Juan Merchan has sentenced Donald Trump to an unconditional discharge in the hush money case, ensuring no jail time, penalties, or probation for the former president. Merchan explained that this was the only lawful sentence that could be issued without infringing upon the highest office in the nation.

“The considerable, indeed extraordinary, legal protections afforded to the office of the chief executive override all other factors. However, they neither reduce the seriousness of the crime nor justify its commission,” Merchan stated during the sentencing. He emphasized that it is the office of the presidency, not its occupant, that receives these extraordinary protections.

Merchan noted that voters had recently decided to grant Trump these privileges once again. “It is the citizenry of this nation that decided you should receive the benefits of those protections,” he said.

Despite the high-profile nature of the case, Merchan asserted that the trial followed the same procedures as any other case in the courthouse. “This has been a truly extraordinary case, and never before has this court been presented with such a unique set of circumstances,” he added.

Trump, maintaining his innocence, described the case as a political witch hunt. “I did nothing wrong. This was done to damage my reputation,” he said during the hearing.

Todd Blanche, Trump’s attorney, confirmed that the legal team intends to appeal the verdict, arguing that the case was legally inappropriate. “A majority of Americans agree this case should not have been brought,” Blanche stated.

The ruling closes one chapter of this controversial legal battle, while Trump’s legal team prepares to challenge the verdict on appeal.