US President-elect Donald Trump criticized a judge’s decision to schedule his sentencing in the hush money trial for January 10, just ten days before his January 20 inauguration.
Trump, on his Truth Social platform, called the decision an “illegitimate political attack”, describing it as a “Rigged Charade.”
Earlier, judge Juan Merchan upheld Trump’s conviction on Friday, rejecting motions from Trump’s lawyers to overturn the New York jury’s decision. The judge said that Trump could appear in person or virtually for the sentencing and indicated that he was not likely to impose jail time. Instead, Merchan said he was inclined toward an unconditional discharge, which would impose no conditions on Trump’s release. This would mean Trump would enter office as a convicted felon.
Trump responded on Truth Social, saying, “This lawless case should have never been brought,” and criticized the judge as a “radical partisan.” He added that the decision was “knowingly unlawful” and “goes against our Constitution.”
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, also denounced the sentencing, calling it a violation of Supreme Court precedent on presidential immunity. Cheung stated, “President Trump must be allowed to continue the Presidential Transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed.”
Trump, who is 78, was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election. He potentially faced up to four years in prison, but legal experts had already anticipated that incarceration was unlikely. Judge Merchan confirmed that prosecutors did not recommend a jail sentence.
In an 18-page decision, Merchan said, “It seems proper at this juncture to make known the Court’s inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration.” He also noted that once Trump is sworn in as president, he would gain immunity from prosecution. “Finding no legal impediment to sentencing and recognizing that Presidential immunity will likely attach once Defendant takes his Oath of Office, it is incumbent upon this Court to set this matter down for imposition of sentence prior to January 20, 2025,” Merchan wrote.
Trump’s attorneys have said they plan to appeal, which could delay the sentencing. Merchan rejected their argument that the case should be dismissed based on a Supreme Court decision granting former presidents immunity for official acts. The judge also said that sentencing must occur before Trump takes office, as presidential immunity would prevent further prosecution after January 20.
In addition to this case, Trump has faced other legal challenges, including two federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith, which were dropped under Justice department policy protecting sitting presidents. Trump also faces charges in Georgia related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election, though those proceedings would likely pause while he is in office.
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