'Great embarrassment': Trump's courtroom response to Judge Merchan's 'political witch hunt' trial

On Friday, the public was given access to the audio tape of President-elect Donald Trump's New York City sentencing hearing, which revealed the unprecedented conviction of a former president. Despite this, Trump was ultimately given an unconditional discharge.

"Trump, who virtually attended the criminal trial sentencing hearing, stated in the New York City courtroom on Friday morning that the experience has been very terrible. He added that he believes it has been a tremendous setback for New York and the New York court system."

"Alvin Bragg did not want to bring this case, as he believed it was inappropriately handled before he arrived. A district attorney from a law firm intervened, and it was reported that he was a criminal or almost criminal in his actions. The president-elect stated that this was very inappropriate and that the individual involved was connected to his political opponent."

He added that this is a great embarrassment to New York, which already has many problems.

Trump mentioned the November election while looking at Judge Juan Merchan, implying that the case was rejected by voters.

"Trump stated that the political investigation against him was a witch hunt aimed at damaging his reputation and losing the election. Despite this, the people witnessed the case in court and voted for him, ultimately resulting in his victory."

District Attorney Josh Steinglass, the assistant, stated that there was "overwhelming evidence to support the jury's verdict" and was critical of Trump, claiming the president-elect "has caused enduring damage to public perception of the criminal justice system and has placed officers of the court in harm's way" with the comments he publicly made during the trial.

Todd Blanche, Trump's attorney, strongly disagrees with the government's statements about the case, including the legitimacy of events in the courtroom during the trial and President Trump's conduct in fighting the case from before it was indicted to the jury's verdict and beyond.

At the hearing, Judge Juan Merchan argued in defense of his actions throughout the process.

"One of the most challenging decisions that a criminal court judge must make is imposing a sentence, as noted by Merchan, who emphasized the need to consider the facts of the case and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances."

The judge stated that the case presented to the court was "extraordinary" due to media interest and heightened security. However, once the courtroom doors were closed, the trial was not any more unique or extraordinary than any other case.

Trump is granted substantial legal safeguards, but Merchan contended that one privilege they do not offer is the ability to annul a jury decision.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Merchan wished Sir Godspeed as he began his second term.

Trump's unconditional discharge sentence implies that he faces no punishment, including no jail time, fines, or probation, and retains the right to appeal the conviction.

"Following thorough examination, this court has ruled that the only lawful sentence that allows for the entry of a judgment of conviction is an unconditional discharge," Merchan stated on Friday. "As of now, I am imposing that sentence to encompass all 34 counts."

On Jan. 20, Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, despite his team's announcement in court that they will appeal his conviction.

Planet Chronicle Digital’s Brooke Singman contributed to this report