In a groundbreaking legal decision, a New York judge has scheduled the sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump in his hush-money case for January 10, just days before his inauguration.
The judge, Juan M. Merchan, indicated that Trump will not face jail time. In a written decision, Judge Merchan announced plans to impose a conditional discharge, a legal resolution that dismisses the case if the defendant avoids further legal issues.
Trump’s Communication Director, Steven Cheung, criticized the ruling, stating, “Today’s order by the deeply conflicted Acting Justice Merchan in the Manhattan DA Witch Hunt is a direct violation of the Supreme Court’s Immunity decision and other longstanding jurisprudence. This lawless case should have never been brought, and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed. President Trump must be allowed to continue the Presidential Transition process and execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this or any remnants of the Witch Hunts. There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead.”
Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to an alleged hush-money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. Prosecutors argued that the payment aimed to silence claims of an affair, which Trump has consistently denied. He has labeled the case as politically motivated.
After Trump’s November 5 election victory, Judge Merchan temporarily paused proceedings to assess the case’s implications. Trump’s legal team argued that continuing the case could unconstitutionally disrupt his presidency. Prosecutors proposed several options, including pausing the case during his term or closing it while noting the conviction and ongoing appeals.
Ultimately, Judge Merchan opted for a conditional discharge, ensuring the case would not hinder Trump’s duties as president. However, the conviction remains intact and subject to appeal.
