Trump avoids prison at hush money sentencing

President-elect Donald Trump was formally sentenced Friday in his hush money case, but the judge declined to impose any punishment.

The outcome cements Trump’s conviction while freeing him to return to the White House unencumbered by the threat of a jail term or a fine.

The hearing closed a case that loomed for a time over his successful bid last year to retake the White House.

Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw the six-week trial, had signalled previously he did not plan to send Trump to jail or to fine him.

Trump appeared with his lawyer on TV screens beamed to the courtroom with two American flags in the background. He wore a red tie with white stripes.

“This court has determined that the only lawful sentence that permits entry of judgment of conviction without encroachment on the highest office of the land is a sentence of unconditional discharge,” Merchan said.