Sorting by

×

Trump’s NY Case Takes Shocking Turn

Advertisements

How can they do this?

In a surprising legal development, a judge has scheduled former President Donald Trump’s sentencing in his New York case for January 10, just days before he is set to return to the White House. However, Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, made it clear that he would not send Trump to jail, opting instead for a conditional discharge. This type of ruling means the case could be dismissed if Trump refrains from any further legal trouble.

The news has sparked strong reactions from Trump’s legal team, who have consistently argued that the charges against him are politically motivated. In a statement following the ruling, Team Trump declared, “This decision by the deeply biased Judge Merchan is a violation of Supreme Court immunity rulings and longstanding legal principles. This case should never have been filed, and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed. President Trump must be free to focus on his duties as the next president and continue his transition, without interference from this baseless witch hunt.”

Trump’s legal battles trace back to a 2016 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, allegedly made to prevent her from publicly discussing an affair she claims to have had with Trump years earlier. Trump has denied the allegations and maintains that the case is politically motivated, aimed at derailing his political comeback.

Advertisements

In May, Trump was convicted on 34 counts related to falsifying business records, stemming from the payments made during the final weeks of his 2016 presidential campaign. However, after his victory in the 2024 election, Judge Merchan postponed sentencing to allow both the prosecution and defense time to consider how to proceed.

Trump’s attorneys have argued that moving forward with the sentencing would create an unconstitutional disruption to his ability to govern. The prosecution, while acknowledging the unique situation, insists the conviction should stand, offering various potential solutions, including suspending the case during Trump’s presidency or ensuring no jail time.

As Trump prepares to take office again on January 20, the legal challenges he faces remain a contentious issue, with many Republicans viewing them as part of a larger effort to undermine his political agenda. The case continues to unfold, and its outcome will likely have lasting implications for both Trump’s legal future and his political comeback.