Donald Trump was sentenced without penalty in the hush money case after a symbolic – and historic and unprecedented – hearing following the first felony conviction of a former and soon-to-be sitting president.

Donald Trump sentenced in hush money case (full audio)

President-elect Donald Trump appearing in court virtually from his Mar-a-Lago home Friday, was sentenced for his crimes in the New York "hush money" case and released with no restrictions.

Justice Juan Merchan followed through on a promise made one week ago to give President-elect Donald Trump a sentence of unconditional discharge, which includes neither jail time nor any other restriction that might impede Trump after his inauguration on Jan. 20.

Justice Juan Merchan said during sentencing Friday that he was granting that sentence because he believed it was the only legal option, just 10 days before Donald Trump assumes the presidency.

Justice Juan Merchan told the court that "this has been a truly extraordinary case," even though once the courtroom doors closed, the trial itself had been in his estimation no more special or unique than any other. Read More