A New York judge has announced that Donald Trump, president-elect of the United States, will be sentenced on 10 January in his hush-money case. Justice Juan Merchan has indicated that Trump will likely receive an “unconditional discharge” without jail time, probation, or fines. Trump can attend the hearing in person or virtually.
The case revolves around a $130,000 (£105,000) payment made during the 2016 presidential campaign to adult film star Stormy Daniels, allegedly to keep her silent about an affair with Trump. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence, calling the case a “political attack” on his 2024 presidential campaign.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump dismissed the judge’s order as a “rigged charade” and accused the judiciary of targeting him unfairly.
Trump was convicted in May of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. These charges stemmed from attempts to conceal reimbursements made to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for the payment to Daniels. Despite the conviction, Trump argued the case violates constitutional principles and will harm his presidency.
Justice Merchan rejected Trump’s request to overturn the jury’s verdict, stating that remedies like delaying sentencing or guaranteeing no jail time would address concerns about his ability to govern. Trump, 78, is now poised to become the first convicted felon to serve as U.S. president.
The sentencing was initially set for November but was delayed after Trump’s election victory. Legal experts had anticipated Trump would avoid prison due to his age and lack of a prior criminal record.
The hush-money case is one of four criminal cases Trump faces, including allegations of mishandling classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election results.
While falsifying business records can carry a prison sentence of up to four years, it is not mandatory under U.S. law. Trump is expected to appeal the conviction following the sentencing.