The audio tape of President-elect Trump's The New York City sentencing hearing was made public Friday, providing insight into the unprecedented conviction of the former president, which ultimately resulted in Trump being sentenced to unconditional release.
”“This is a very bad experience,” Trump told a New York City courtroom Friday morning, appearing virtually at the criminal sentencing hearing. “I think this was a very big setback for New York and the New York court system.” Ta.
“This is a case that Alvin Bragg didn't want to bring. From what I've read and heard, he thought the case was handled improperly before he got there, and the law firm's A gentleman came in and represented us in the district court “attorney,'' the president-elect continued. “And from what I've heard, that gentleman was a criminal or near-criminal in his actions. It was very inappropriate. It was someone associated with a political opponent of mine.”
“I think this is a shame for New York, and New York has a lot of problems, but this is a big shame,” he added.
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At one point, in a virtual appearance, Trump leaned forward to look at Judge Juan Melchán and mentioned the November election, suggesting it represented a repudiation of the case.
”“This was a political witch hunt,” President Trump explained, “done to tarnish my reputation and make sure I lost the election. And obviously, it didn't work. And , the people of our country saw this case in your courtroom, so they got to see this firsthand. And they voted. I won.”
Assistant District Attorney Josh Steinglass said: ”“Overwhelming evidence supports the jury's verdict,” he said, criticizing Trump and arguing that the president-elect “has caused lasting damage to the public's perception of the criminal justice system and placed court officials in a dangerous position.”” along with comments he made publicly during his trial.
”I want to talk about much of what the government has just said about this case, the legitimacy of what happened in this courtroom during the trial, and President Trump's actions in fighting this case before and during the indictment and up until now. Very, very contrary. The jury's verdict, and to this day,” Trump's attorney Todd Blanche said in response to prosecutors.
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Former President Trump appeared before Judge Juan Machan for arraignment after surrendering to New York authorities in April 2024 in New York County Criminal Court. (Photo by Seth Wenig Poole, via USA TODAY)
During the hearing, Marchan defended his actions along the way.
“Sentencing is one of the most difficult decisions for a criminal court judge,” Machan said, noting that the court “must consider the facts of the case, as well as any aggravating or mitigating circumstances.” .
Reflecting on the case, Marchand said, “Never before has a situation so unique been presented to this court.'' The judge said it was an “unusual case” with increased media attention and increased security, but once the courtroom doors closed, the trial itself was “no more special or unusual” than any other case. said.
Marchand acknowledged that President Trump has important legal protections, but argued that “one power they haven't given them is the power to expunge a jury verdict.”
”Your Excellency, I wish you all the best as you begin your second term in office,” Marchand said at the end of the hearing.
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In this courtroom sketch, former President Trump faces charges of falsifying business records to hide money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels, May 29, 2024, in Manhattan state court in New York City. Judge Juan Machan instructs the jury before deliberations during the criminal trial of . In 2016. (Reuters/Jane Rosenberg)
Machan's unconditional release sentence means he will not face any penalties such as jail time, fines or suspended sentences. The ruling also preserves President Trump's ability to appeal his conviction.
“After careful analysis, this court has determined that the only lawful sentence to allow a conviction to begin is an unconditional discharge,” Machan said Friday. “At this time, I would impose that sentence to cover all 34 counts.”
Trump's team said in court that he would appeal the conviction, and Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20.
Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
