Trump to be Sentenced in "Hush Money" Case Before Inauguration

President-elect Donald Trump will be sentenced on Friday in New York for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The charges stem from a "hush money" payment made in 2016 to silence a woman who claimed to have had an affair with Trump.

Trump's lawyers have vowed to appeal the conviction and delay the sentencing, but prosecutors say Trump has chosen to appear virtually for the hearing. This is an unusual accommodation in New York criminal courts, typically reserved for hospitalized individuals.

The judge presiding over the case, Juan Merchan, acknowledged the unique circumstances surrounding Trump's situation and offered him the option of appearing in person or virtually. Trump has not publicly stated his decision, but prosecutors have confirmed in court filings that he will attend via video feed.

This sentencing comes just ten days before Trump is scheduled to take office as President of the United States. It remains to be seen how the outcome of this case will impact his transition and presidency.