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NEW YORK (CHATNEWSTV) — A New York judge has set January 10 as the sentencing date for President-elect Donald Trump in his hush-money case, less than two weeks before he is due to take the oath of office.
Justice Juan Merchan signaled that Trump, convicted in May of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, will receive an “unconditional discharge,” meaning no jail time, probation, or fine. The sentencing will proceed despite Trump’s legal team’s efforts to dismiss the case, calling it a “witch hunt.”
“President Trump must be allowed to continue the presidential transition process and execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by these baseless pursuits,” said Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson, in a statement Friday.
The charges stem from a $130,000 payment made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to buy her silence about an alleged affair with Trump. The payments were disguised as legal expenses, a move prosecutors argued was part of a scheme to influence the 2016 election. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty, claiming the case is politically motivated.
Justice Merchan rejected Trump’s motion to dismiss the case based on claims of presidential immunity. He also ruled out delaying sentencing until the end of Trump’s presidency in 2029, a measure Trump’s legal team had sought, citing concerns the case would impede his ability to govern.
“There are remedies short of overturning the jury’s verdict or delaying sentencing indefinitely,” Merchan wrote in his order, adding that Trump may attend the hearing either in person or virtually.
Despite the conviction, legal experts say Trump is unlikely to face jail time due to his age and lack of a prior criminal record.
The president-elect, 78, is also facing charges in three other state and federal criminal cases, including allegations of mishandling classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
Trump’s team has vowed to appeal the conviction after sentencing, which would make him the first convicted felon to serve as president.
Background and Legal Implications
Falsifying business records in New York is punishable by up to four years in prison, but incarceration is not mandatory. The ruling marks another chapter in Trump’s contentious legal battles, which have loomed large over his political career and 2024 presidential campaign.
Justice Merchan emphasized that the sentencing will not hinder Trump’s ability to fulfill his presidential duties. “The rule of law applies equally to all, regardless of status or position,” he said.
