A judge has scheduled US president-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing for 10 January, 2025, in his New York hush money case, just days before his presidential inauguration. However, Judge Juan Merchan has indicated that Trump will likely avoid jail time, signaling his intention to impose a conditional discharge instead of incarceration. This decision comes after Trump was found guilty in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a scheme to cover up a hush money payment to adult actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign.
In a statement following the sentencing announcement, Trump’s spokesperson labeled the case “lawless” and a “witch hunt,” further claiming that the charges should have been dismissed. “This lawless case should have never been brought, and the constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed,” said Steven Cheung. “President Trump must be allowed to continue the presidential transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this or any remnants of the witch hunts,” he added.
Despite Trump’s legal team pushing for the case to be dismissed on grounds of presidential immunity, Judge Merchan rejected the argument, stating that there were no legal barriers to proceeding with sentencing. “It seems proper at this juncture to make known the court’s inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration,” the judge wrote, emphasizing that it was his responsibility to move forward with the case before Trump assumes office.
Trump’s conviction stems from a $130,000 payment made to Daniels, who alleges a sexual encounter with the president-elect, a claim Trump has consistently denied. The payment was reportedly intended to keep Daniels from publicizing her story during the 2016 election campaign.
Trump’s legal battles are far from over, with ongoing cases involving alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and accusations related to classified documents. However, the upcoming sentencing places Trump on track to become the first president to enter office while convicted of felony charges.
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