A New York court is expected to pronounce its verdict 10 days before Donald Trump is scheduled to assume office on January 20, following his conviction in a hush-money case.
Trump, the first former US president ever convicted of a crime, has been instructed by Judge Juan Merchan to attend the January 10 sentencing, either in person or virtually, depending on his schedule.
In an 18-page decision, Judge Merchan upheld the former president's conviction by a New York jury, dismissing various motions by Trump’s legal team to overturn the verdict.
The judge stated he did not favour imprisonment for Trump but leaned towards an unconditional discharge, which would leave the former president free of any imposed conditions.
This outcome would make Trump the first US president to enter the White House as a convicted felon.
“It seems proper at this juncture to make known the Court's inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration,” Merchan said, noting that prosecutors also viewed a prison sentence as impractical.
Trump has indicated his intention to appeal, a move that could delay his sentencing.
Denouncing the decision on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote: “This illegitimate political attack is nothing but a rigged charade.”
The case stems from allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.
The payments were reportedly intended to prevent her from disclosing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter.
Trump’s legal team had sought to have the case dismissed on several grounds, but Judge Merchan rejected those arguments. However, the judge acknowledged that Trump would be immune from prosecution once sworn in as president, emphasising the need to conclude the case before January 20.
“He understands that the conviction cannot be upheld once Trump assumes office as president, which is why it is important to settle the case before he assumes office on January 20,” Merchan stated.
Meanwhile, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung criticised the decision, calling it a "direct violation of the Supreme Court's immunity decision and longstanding jurisprudence."
“President Trump must be allowed to continue the presidential transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by this or any remnants of the witch hunts,” Cheung said.
Follow us
