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A New York judge has set the sentencing for President-elect Donald Trump in his hush money case for January 10, 2025, just 10 days before his inauguration. Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the case, has indicated that he is not inclined to impose jail time for the former president, despite his conviction.
In an 18-page ruling, Judge Merchan upheld Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign. Trump had sought to have the conviction thrown out on various grounds, including invoking the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting former U.S. presidents immunity for certain official acts. However, Merchan rejected these arguments, noting that Trump would be immune from prosecution once he took office, making it essential to impose sentencing before January 20, 2025.
A Historic Conviction
Trump, who is the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime, was found guilty in May of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records to cover up the payment made to Daniels. The payment was allegedly made to prevent Daniels from revealing an affair she claims to have had with Trump in 2006, just ahead of the 2016 election.
Although Trump faced a potential maximum sentence of four years in prison, legal experts have largely expected the judge to impose a lighter penalty. Trump’s legal team had argued for the case to be dismissed based on presidential immunity, but Merchan rejected this stance, despite acknowledging that Trump would be shielded from prosecution once he was sworn in for a second term.
No Jail Time Expected
Merchan has expressed a preference for imposing an “unconditional discharge,” meaning that Trump would not face probation or other post-conviction restrictions. This would allow him to enter the White House as a convicted felon, though the legal and political ramifications of this are still unclear.
The judge’s decision not to pursue incarceration aligns with the view of both the defense and prosecution that jail time would not be a “practicable” recommendation. Trump, who is likely to appeal the decision, denounced the ruling, calling it part of a “rigged charade” and a “political attack.” He labeled Judge Merchan a “radical partisan” and warned that the case, if allowed to stand, could undermine the presidency itself.
Trump’s Response and Future Legal Challenges
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated his claims that the case was politically motivated, labeling it an “illegitimate” attack. Trump has long argued that the legal proceedings against him are part of a broader campaign to undermine his political standing, especially as he campaigns for a second term in office.
With the sentencing scheduled for January 10, the timing places Trump in a precarious position as he prepares for his inauguration. Should he be sentenced as expected, he would face entering the White House while holding a criminal conviction, a historic scenario for any sitting U.S. president.
Legal experts also note that Trump’s appeal could delay sentencing, possibly pushing the issue into the months after his inauguration, potentially complicating both his presidency and legal battles.
