Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan has announced the sentencing date for President-elect Donald Trump, a case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, revealing an unexpected turn of events. The sentencing is set for January 10, just one week before Trump’s inauguration. The judge noted, however, that the punishment will not include any jail time, as the president-elect continues to appeal the verdict, according to The Associated Press.
While the judge rejected the Trump team’s motion to dismiss the conviction, he indicated he might consider an unconditional discharge. This would mean that although the conviction remains, the case will be deemed resolved, and the defendant would not incur jail time, fines, or probation.
“The sanctity of a jury verdict and the respect it commands are fundamental principles in our Nation’s legal system,” the judge stated during his announcement.
He further explained, “The Constitution specifies that only a President, after taking the oath of office, holds the powers of the Chief Executive; a President-elect does not. Thus, a President-elect cannot claim the protections afforded to someone in that role. … Current legal principles do not allow a newly installed president to retroactively dismiss or nullify prior criminal actions, nor do they confer blanket immunity to a President-elect.”
“Any claim by the Defendant suggesting that circumstances have changed because of his election victory, while convenient, is insincere. The Defendant has consistently shown confidence—and indeed anticipated success—in the 2024 Election—a belief that has been validated. The expectation that he would become the ‘President-elect’ and fulfill the associated responsibilities was predictable. Hence, it was reasonable for this Court to interpret his request to delay sentencing until after the election as having implied consent.”
Twelve jurors unanimously found the Defendant guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records with fraudulent intent, including efforts to commit or conceal a conspiracy aimed at manipulating a presidential election through illegal actions. This offense centers around the deliberate and ongoing deceit executed by the leader of the free world. To overturn this verdict on the grounds that the charges lack seriousness due to the Defendant’s former and forthcoming position would yield an unfair outcome and significantly damage public trust in the Rule of Law, the judge emphasized.
In reaction to Judge Merchan’s ruling, Trump stated, “I have never falsified business records. This is a fabricated charge orchestrated by a corrupt judge carrying out the agenda of the Biden/Harris Justice Department, targeting their political opponent, which is me! He has constructed a case where none existed. He has placed a ‘gag order’ on me, preventing me from discussing his corruption. The mainstream media knows the truth but chooses to remain silent. He may be the most conflicted judge in New York State’s history,” he posted on Truth Social.
He added, “The accountant provided testimony that fully corroborates the accuracy of the records, which were legitimate. A legal expense was properly categorized as such; there was no other designation possible. This is what is being labeled as falsifying records. I concealed nothing; everything was transparent for all to see. Every credible legal scholar has declared that there is no case against me. The judge should face disbarment!”
Trump further commented, “In another unjust case in New York, yet another corrupt judge—who has had five of my cases overturned and is the most frequently overturned judge in New York—assessed Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, at $18 million, despite its actual value being 50 to 100 times higher. Additionally, there is a woman in New York whom I have never met (celebrity photo lines from 30 years ago do not count!) who was awarded nearly $100 million. A completely unhinged, Trump-hating judge oversaw that case.”