Trump Set for Sentencing in Hush Money Case, No Jail Time Expected

NEW YORK — Donald Trump will be sentenced on January 10 in connection with his hush-money scandal, a case that has stirred significant political and legal debate as he prepares for his second term as president. Legal experts expect that he will avoid jail time, as New York State Justice Juan Merchan has indicated that he plans to issue an "unconditional discharge" rather than impose prison time, probation, or a fine.

The sentencing is scheduled just days before Trump’s inauguration, raising questions about how this ongoing legal matter could impact his presidency. In addition to the sentencing, Trump can attend the hearing either in person or virtually, as outlined by Justice Merchan.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The charges stemmed from a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. The payment, made by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, was intended to silence Daniels regarding her allegations of an affair with Trump. The cover-up of this payment became the focus of a high-profile legal battle that could affect Trump’s political future.

Despite the conviction, Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the case as a politically motivated attack designed to derail his 2024 presidential campaign. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump dismissed the legal proceedings as a "rigged charade" and labeled the sentencing order as an "illegitimate political attack" aimed at preventing his return to the White House.

Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, reinforced these claims, calling the case part of an ongoing "witch hunt" and urging that the legal system should not impede Trump’s ability to transition into the presidency. “There should be no sentencing,” Cheung said. “President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all exposed.”

Legal motions filed by Trump sought to delay or dismiss the case entirely, arguing that the legal proceedings would interfere with his ability to govern effectively. However, Justice Merchan has made it clear that, while he is aware of Trump’s concerns, overturning the jury’s verdict is not an option. Instead, the judge has suggested alternative measures, such as delaying sentencing until after Trump leaves office or issuing a sentence that does not include jail time.

Trump had previously argued that the case violated his constitutional rights, citing presidential immunity. However, in July, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that sitting presidents enjoy broad immunity for actions taken while in office. Despite this ruling, Merchan upheld Trump’s conviction, asserting that the hush money payments were made before Trump’s presidency and were therefore not protected by executive immunity.

If the sentence goes forward as planned, Trump will become the first convicted felon to occupy the White House. However, legal experts have suggested that, given his age and legal standing, it is implausible that Trump will face a prison sentence. Under U.S. law, falsifying business records carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison, but there is no mandatory minimum sentence, and incarceration is not guaranteed.

In addition to the hush-money case, Trump is currently facing other significant legal challenges, including charges related to the handling of classified documents and his alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Originally scheduled for sentencing in late November, the date was pushed back following Trump’s election victory. As he prepares for his second term, the legal battles surrounding Trump are far from over, and his ability to navigate these issues while in office remains uncertain.

As the case continues to unfold, Trump’s supporters and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this legal matter impacts his political future and his ability to govern.