What did Donald Trump do today?

He was sentenced to no penalty whatsoever for his conviction on 34 felony counts, then immediately begged his followers for money.

As expected after the Supreme Court refused his last minute-appeal last night, Trump was sentenced by New York state judge Juan Merchan this morning for the 34 felony counts he was convicted of last May. Trump was found by a jury of his peers to have falsified business records in furtherance of a criminal scheme to evade taxes, violate campaign finance laws, and conceal that he had paid hush money to cover up a sexual affair with a porn actress. 

The sentence makes his conviction final and official, though Trump says he will appeal.

Merchan's sentence was "unconditional discharge," a rare option meaning Trump will receive no punishment at all—not even a fine. 

Trump responded by immediately trying to fundraise off the event, demanding that his supporters "RESPOND TO TRUMP" by donating up to $3,300 to his political action committee.

Trump's net worth is currently estimated at about $6 billion.

Why does this matter?

• In a democracy, nobody is supposed to be above the law—even the people who escape with literally no punishment whatsoever for breaking it.

• Even by Trump standards, this takes playing the victim too far.