Donald Trump faces a felony conviction just days before his inauguration, as a New York judge upholds his criminal conviction in the hush-money trial.
At a Glance
- Judge Juan Merchan upheld Trump’s criminal conviction but favors an “unconditional discharge”
- Sentencing date set for January 10, 10 days before Trump’s inauguration
- Trump could become the first president to enter office with a felony designation
- Trump criticizes the case as a “rigged charade” and the judge as a “radical partisan”
- Many criminal cases against Trump have weakened or been dismissed following a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity
Judge Upholds Trump’s Conviction, Signals No Punishment
In a significant development, New York Judge Juan Merchan has upheld Donald Trump’s criminal conviction in his hush-money trial while indicating a preference for an “unconditional discharge.” This decision comes as Trump prepares for his inauguration, potentially making him the first president to enter office with a felony designation.
The judge’s decision stems from a case where a Manhattan jury convicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to covering up a sex scandal during his 2016 presidential campaign. Despite facing up to four years in prison for these charges, Judge Merchan’s inclination towards an unconditional discharge suggests Trump may avoid jail time.
Trump’s Response and Legal Strategy
The president-elect has not remained silent on the matter. He strongly criticized both the case and Judge Merchan, describing the proceedings as a “rigged charade” and the judge as a “radical partisan.” Trump’s legal team is expected to appeal in an attempt to postpone the sentencing, which is currently scheduled for January 10, just ten days before his inauguration.
“Every Legal Scholar and Pundit has unequivocally stated that the Manhattan D.A.’s Witch Hunt is a nonexistent case, which is not only barred by the Statute of Limitations but, on the merits, should never have been brought,” Trump said.
Mr. Trump’s Communications Director, Steven Cheung, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Today’s order by the deeply convicted, 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. There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead.”
Changing Legal Landscape
This case stands out amid a shifting legal landscape for the president-elect. Many criminal cases against him have weakened or been dismissed following a Supreme Court ruling granting limited immunity to former presidents. Federal cases have been dropped, and a racketeering case in Georgia has stalled. This trend has led some to view the New York decision as a relative legal victory for Trump, despite the potential felony designation.
Judge Merchan’s reasoning for favoring an unconditional discharge appears to be rooted in allowing Trump to pursue appellate options. However, this approach has not been without criticism. Political commentator Keith Olbermann expressed disappointment, stating, “Merchan, you will recall, obeyed in advance and postponed Trump’s sentencing until after the election. Now, he won’t even attempt on a symbolic level to give Trump jail time – just an ‘unconditional discharge.’ It is farcical and cowardly. As is Judge Merchan.”
Looking Ahead
As Trump approaches his inauguration, he faces a busy January schedule. He is set to attend Jimmy Carter’s state funeral on January 9, potentially face sentencing on January 10, and be inaugurated on January 20. The outcome of this case and its timing relative to these events will likely continue to generate significant attention.
