Judge Sets Sentencing for Trump’s Hush Money Case Ahead of White House Inauguration
New York, The Gulf Observer: In a landmark decision, Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled sentencing for President-elect Donald Trump in his hush money case for January 10, just ten days before his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
The case marks an unprecedented moment in U.S. history, as Trump stands to become the first president to assume office with a felony conviction. However, Judge Merchan indicated that he is not inclined to impose jail time, instead signaling his intent to issue a “conditional discharge.” This would close the case without imposing jail time, fines, or probation.
Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to an alleged scheme to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of his 2016 presidential campaign. Daniels alleged she had an unlawful affair with Trump, a claim he has consistently denied.
In a written decision issued Friday, Merchan rejected Trump’s legal team’s push to dismiss the verdict and the case. Trump’s lawyers had argued that presidential immunity and his impending return to office should nullify the proceedings. The judge firmly disagreed, stating, “Only by bringing finality to this matter will the interests of justice be served.”
Merchan also emphasized the necessity of resolving the case prior to Trump’s inauguration on January 20, underscoring the constitutional obligation to ensure accountability.
The sentencing decision follows months of legal wrangling. After Trump’s victory in the November 5 presidential election, Merchan had paused proceedings to allow both the prosecution and defense to assess the implications of the conviction on Trump’s upcoming presidency.
Prosecutors acknowledged the logistical complexities of sentencing a sitting president-elect but maintained that the conviction should not be dismissed. Conversely, Trump’s defense team contended that the case would create unconstitutional disruptions to the presidency.
Despite the legal battle, the impending sentencing is unlikely to impact Trump’s inauguration. Judge Merchan’s decision paves the way for Trump to take office while leaving the conviction intact—a historic and contentious outcome in a deeply polarized political climate.
Trump has continued to deny all allegations of wrongdoing, asserting that Daniels’ claims are baseless and politically motivated. As the January 10 sentencing date approaches, the nation watches closely to see how this unprecedented chapter in U.S. history unfolds.
