WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced for his New York hush money conviction on Friday morning, less than two weeks before his inauguration.

President-elect Trump appeared virtually where he was sentenced to an “unconditional discharge” by Judge Juan M. Merchan after the Supreme Court refused to intervene late Thursday.

An “unconditional discharge” is a sentence imposed without imprisonment, fines or probation supervision.

 This means Trump remains a convicted felon but faces no penalties or other conditions. This type of sentence is considered rare in felony convictions.

According to New York law, an “unconditional discharge” sentence can be handed down, “if the court, having regard to the nature and circumstances of the offense and to the history, character and condition of the defendant, is of the opinion that neither the public interest nor the ends of justice would be served by a sentence of imprisonment and that probation supervision is not appropriate.”

This sentence appears to be the best way to avoid constitutional issues that could interfere with Trump’s return to the White House.

In May 2024, Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

Trump is the first person convicted of a felony to assume the presidency.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.