In an unprecedented decision, a New York court has scheduled President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing for January 10, just ten days before his inauguration on January 20. The case revolves around Trump’s conviction tied to a $130,000 “hush money” payment made by his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.
Justice Juan Merchan’s ruling concludes months of legal wrangling between Trump’s legal team and prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, following Trump’s narrow re-election victory in November.
Trump, who made history as the first former U.S. president to face a criminal conviction, was found guilty in May on charges stemming from falsified business records intended to conceal the reimbursement of Cohen for the payment to Daniels. Despite this, Trump secured a return to the presidency, becoming the first individual elected to the White House with a criminal conviction.
Trump’s legal team argued that his election to the presidency warranted a dismissal of the charges, citing constitutional protections. However, Justice Merchan ruled otherwise, stating, “The court finds that neither the vacatur of the jury’s verdicts nor dismissal of the indictment are required by the Presidential immunity doctrine, the Presidential Transition Act, or the Supremacy Clause.”
Merchan further noted that Trump is unlikely to face incarceration, as prosecutors have indicated they no longer view imprisonment as a viable recommendation. The court also suggested that Trump may attend the sentencing virtually rather than in person.
The conviction, linked to falsifying business records, carries potential penalties ranging from probation to fines, although jail time remains an option.
During the trial, witnesses, including former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker and Stormy Daniels, testified about efforts to suppress damaging stories during Trump’s 2016 campaign. The jury determined Trump orchestrated a scheme to reimburse Cohen while disguising payments as legal fees in 2017, resulting in 34 falsified business records.
Despite the court proceedings, Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing, labeling the case a politically motivated “witch hunt.” His legal team has also faced criticism from Justice Merchan for employing inflammatory rhetoric in court filings.
As Trump prepares for sentencing, this landmark case underscores a series of firsts in American history, marking the intersection of legal accountability and political power.
