President-elect Donald Trump is set to face sentencing in his hush money case on January 10, just days before his return to the White House on Inauguration Day.
This unprecedented ruling follows Judge Juan Merchan’s decision to deny Trump’s request to dismiss the case, solidifying his position as the first U.S. president convicted of felony crimes while preparing to serve in office.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Judge Merchan has made it clear that Trump will not face jail time.
“There is no legal impediment to sentencing,” Merchan explained, emphasizing his duty to resolve the matter before Trump is sworn into office. He underscored the importance of bringing closure to the case, stating that justice could only be served by reaching a definitive conclusion.
The charges stem from a jury’s decision in May, which found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records.
These charges relate to a $130,000 payment made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels in an effort to silence allegations of an affair during the 2016 presidential campaign.
The decision marks a historic moment, blending legal accountability with the complexities of presidential duties. As January 10 approaches, the world will watch closely to see how this case shapes Trump’s return to the Oval Office.