In a historic legal development, a New York judge has scheduled the sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump for January 10, 2025. This date falls just ten days before Trump is set to be inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States.
Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over Trump's trial, indicated that he does not intend to impose jail time or probation. Instead, he is leaning towards a conditional discharge, which would allow the case to be dismissed if Trump avoids rearrest. This ruling comes after Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts related to the falsification of business records concerning a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the closing weeks of his 2016 presidential campaign.
The judge's decision reflects a unique legal situation where a former and future president faces sentencing just prior to taking office. Trump’s legal team had sought to have the conviction overturned, arguing that proceeding with sentencing would disrupt his ability to govern effectively. However, Judge Merchan rejected these arguments, stating that there are no legal impediments preventing him from moving forward with the sentencing process.
Trump has maintained his innocence regarding the allegations and has indicated plans to appeal the conviction. His attorneys have suggested that they may seek intervention from higher courts, including potentially the US Supreme Court, on grounds of presidential immunity.