A New York judge has scheduled Donald Trump’s sentencing for January 10, 2025, in the hush-money case that gained national attention, just days before his presidential inauguration.
Justice Juan Merchan indicated that Trump would receive an “unconditional discharge,” meaning no jail time, probation, or fine. The president-elect has the option to appear in person or virtually for the sentencing.
The case revolves around Trump’s May conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records linked to a $130,000 payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, orchestrated to silence her allegations of an affair during the 2016 election campaign.
Trump has consistently denied the allegations, pleaded not guilty, and called the charges a politically motivated attack on his 2024 presidential campaign.
Following the sentencing order, Trump dismissed the ruling as an “illegitimate political attack” on Truth Social, describing the case as “a rigged charade.” His spokesperson, Steven Cheung, labeled the proceedings as part of a continued “witch hunt” aimed at obstructing Trump’s presidency.
Justice Merchan acknowledged concerns about the potential impact of the case on Trump’s ability to govern, offering alternatives such as delaying sentencing until the end of his presidency in 2029 or issuing a non-custodial sentence.
However, Trump’s motion to dismiss the case, citing presidential immunity and concerns over governance disruption, was rejected.
Despite his legal challenges, Trump and his team have vowed to continue fighting the case, asserting it undermines the presidency and violates constitutional protections.
However, last month Justice Merchan ruled Trump’s hush money conviction was valid.
Trump is currently set to be the first convicted felon to serve in the White House.
He may attempt to appeal against the conviction after the sentencing.
While falsifying business records is punishable by up to four years in prison in the US, there is no minimum sentence and incarceration is not required.
Even before his election victory, legal experts thought it was unlikely Trump would face jail time given his age and his legal record.
Trump has also been charged in three other state and federal criminal cases: one involving classified documents and two relating to his alleged efforts to overturn his loss in the election of 2020.
The president-elect was initially scheduled to be sentenced on 26 November, but Justice Merchan pushed the date back after Trump won the presidential election.
