Say what you will about President Trump: he knows how to make an entrance. This time, he will enter the... I’m seated in the main courtroom on a cold New York City morning as we wait for Judge Merchan to arrive.

With Trump 10 days from inauguration, Judge Juan M. Merchan has indicated he plans a no-penalty sentence called an unconditional discharge, and prosecutors aren't opposing it. That would mean no jail time, no probation and no fines would be imposed, but nothing is final until Friday's proceeding is done.