The New York judge presiding over President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money case has scheduled sentencing for January 10, just ten days before Trump is set to be inaugurated. Judge Juan Merchan, who upheld Trump’s conviction on Friday, stated he is not inclined to impose a jail sentence.
Trump, the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime, was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. The payment was intended to prevent Daniels from disclosing an alleged affair.
Judge Favors Unconditional Discharge
Merchan indicated that instead of incarceration, he is leaning toward an unconditional discharge, meaning Trump would face no conditions after sentencing. While the conviction makes Trump a felon, he will likely enter the White House without serving jail time.
“It seems proper at this juncture to make known the Court’s inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration,” Merchan said, adding that prosecutors also deemed a jail term impractical.
Trump, 78, had faced a maximum sentence of four years in prison, but legal experts had long expected a non-custodial sentence.
Trump Responds
Reacting to the ruling, Trump criticized the decision on his Truth Social platform, calling it a “Rigged Charade” and labeling Judge Merchan a “radical partisan.” He argued that the decision was unconstitutional and warned it could set a dangerous precedent for the presidency.
Defense Arguments Rejected
Trump’s legal team had sought to dismiss the case, citing the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that grants former presidents sweeping immunity for official acts. However, Merchan rejected the argument, asserting that the case had no legal impediments to sentencing.
Merchan emphasized the urgency of sentencing before Trump’s January 20 inauguration, noting that presidential immunity would shield Trump from prosecution after he takes office.
Trump Spokesman Denounces Decision
Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump, condemned the ruling, calling it a violation of constitutional principles. “President Trump must be allowed to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by this or any remnants of the Witch Hunts,” he said.
Federal and State Cases on Hold
While Trump faces other legal challenges, including federal charges related to election interference and the mishandling of classified documents, these cases have been dropped or are expected to be frozen during his presidency due to Justice Department policies and presidential immunity.
The January 10 sentencing marks a historic moment in U.S. history, as Trump prepares to re-enter the White House as a convicted felon.
