In a dramatic turn of events, former President Donald Trump has failed in his attempt to delay sentencing for his criminal conviction related to hush money payments, despite his imminent return to the White House. A Manhattan judge ruled Monday to proceed with sentencing this Friday, just ten days before Trump is set to be inaugurated.
Trump, convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, sought to postpone sentencing, arguing that his duties as president-elect should shield him from the process. His legal team cited presidential immunity and the challenges of preparing for the January 20 inauguration as reasons for the delay.
Justice Juan Merchan, however, dismissed these arguments as redundant, stating they had already been addressed multiple times. In his written ruling, Merchan emphasized the importance of maintaining the scheduled January 10 sentencing. The judge hinted that Trump is unlikely to face jail time, suggesting an unconditional discharge—a formal acknowledgment of guilt without penalties—would be the most practical outcome given his upcoming presidency.
The case, which centers on a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, has marked a historic moment. Trump became the first U.S. president, sitting or former, to face and be convicted of criminal charges. Daniels claimed the payment was intended to silence her about an alleged affair with Trump, which he denies.
Trump’s legal team has repeatedly attempted to overturn the conviction, citing various legal theories, including claims that the case undermines his ability to govern. These efforts have been consistently rejected, with Merchan affirming that the charges pertain to personal conduct, not official presidential duties.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has maintained that prosecuting Trump was a routine application of the law, countering claims of political motivation. Bragg’s prosecutors urged the court to proceed without delay, emphasizing the public’s interest in the swift resolution of the case.
As the clock ticks toward Trump’s return to the presidency, his legal battles remain an inescapable backdrop, raising questions about the intersection of law, politics, and leadership in unprecedented circumstances.
