NEW YORK: Donald Trump has been ordered to appear for sentencing on January 10, 2025, in connection with his hush money criminal case, a decision that could have significant implications for his political future. Justice Juan Merchan, presiding over the case in Manhattan, rejected Trump’s claim for presidential immunity, stating that no such immunity exists for a president-elect. This ruling paves the way for Trump’s sentencing, which was initially delayed until after the November election at his own request. Trump had hoped to have the conviction overturned, but the judge ruled that the legal process must continue without delay, leaving Trump with little recourse but to face the consequences.
The case stems from allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal payments to an adult film star before the 2016 election. A Manhattan jury convicted him on 34 felony counts earlier this year, which has since been used by Trump to argue that he is the victim of a political witch hunt orchestrated by biased Democratic prosecutors. The ruling rejecting Trump’s request to dismiss the case underscores the strength of the legal process moving forward despite his claims of political bias and his ongoing efforts to portray himself as the target of political persecution.
While Trump’s lawyers argued that the case should be dismissed due to his status as a president-elect, Judge Merchan rejected those claims, noting that Trump’s election victory did not grant him immunity from legal accountability. The decision has become a pivotal moment in Trump’s legal battles, with the former president continuing to face several other criminal cases. The ruling is especially significant as it could potentially influence the way other cases involving Trump are handled in the future, particularly as he seeks to maintain his political career amid the legal challenges.
Despite the conviction, Justice Merchan made it clear that jail time is not on the table for Trump. Instead, a sentence of “unconditional discharge” is expected, meaning that Trump will face no real penalty other than having the conviction remain on his record. This ruling ensures that while Trump’s legal troubles persist, they are unlikely to interfere with his immediate plans for his presidency, with the judge emphasizing that the criminal conviction will not prevent him from carrying out his duties as the incoming president.
