A New York judge on Friday scheduled sentencing for President-elect Donald Trump in his hush money case just 10 days before his January 20 inauguration, stating he was not inclined to impose jail time.
Judge Juan Merchan, presiding over the historic case that made Trump the first former U.S. president ever convicted of a crime, ruled that the sentencing would take place on January 10. Trump, 78, can appear in person or virtually, Merchan said.
In an 18-page decision, Merchan upheld the jury’s May conviction of Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records, rejecting motions by Trump’s legal team to overturn the verdict. The charges stem from allegations that Trump concealed a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election to suppress claims of a 2006 affair.
The judge signaled his inclination to issue an unconditional discharge, meaning Trump would face no conditions after sentencing. Despite avoiding incarceration, the sentence would see Trump enter the White House as a convicted felon.
Legal and Political Implications
Merchan’s decision noted that prosecutors had not recommended jail time, and legal experts had anticipated a non-custodial sentence even before Trump’s election victory in November. “It seems proper at this juncture to make known the Court’s inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration,” Merchan stated.
Trump, however, swiftly denounced the decision, calling it a “Rigged Charade” on his social media platform, Truth Social. He accused Merchan of being a “radical partisan” and argued the ruling was unconstitutional.
Trump’s attorneys had sought to dismiss the case, citing a Supreme Court decision last year granting former presidents broad immunity from prosecution for official acts. Merchan rejected the argument but acknowledged that Trump would regain immunity upon taking the oath of office.
“Recognizing that Presidential immunity will likely attach once Defendant takes his Oath of Office, it is incumbent upon this Court to impose sentencing prior to January 20, 2025,” Merchan wrote.
Trump’s Team Pushes Back
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, criticized the decision, calling it a violation of constitutional principles. “This lawless case should have never been brought, and the Constitution demands its immediate dismissal,” he said in a statement.
Cheung further argued that sentencing would interfere with the presidential transition process and vowed continued legal challenges. “President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead,” he added.
Broader Legal Challenges
In addition to the New York case, Trump faced federal investigations led by Special Counsel Jack Smith. However, both cases were dropped, adhering to the Justice Department’s policy against prosecuting sitting presidents.
Trump also faces racketeering charges in Georgia over alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Legal experts suggest this case, too, is likely to be paused during his presidency.
As Trump prepares for sentencing and his return to the White House, the legal and political ramifications of his unprecedented conviction continue to unfold.
