Trump becomes first president to be a sentenced felon but avoids jail time or fines in hush-money trial – live
Trump calls hush money case 'a very terrible experience' at sentencing hearing
Donald Trump addressed the court about his conviction on business fraud charges, speaking to judge Juan Merchan:
This has been a very terrible experience. I think it’s been a tremendous setback for New York, the New York court system. This is a case that Alvin Bragg did not want to bring … from what I read and what I hear, inappropriately handled before he got there.
I called a legal fee a legal expense and for this, I got indicted. It’s incredible, actually.
“They all said this case that should have never been brought, it’s an injustice,” Trump said, referring to claims that legal scholars thought the Manhattan district attorney’s case was lacking.
Related Coverage
AllSides Picks
Headline Roundup
Who Is Funding Trump's White House Ballroom?
October 20th, 2026
Headline Roundup
Trump Waives Impending Sanctions on Russian Goods and Energy Buyers
October 19th, 2026
Story of the Week
Are Putin and Zelenskyy Ready for Peace?
AllSides Staff
October 22nd, 2026
Recommended Reading
When Trump is… Trump
Dan Schnur
October 12th, 2026