US judge sets date for Donald Trump hush-money sentencing but rules out prison term

Judge Juan Merchan, overseeing Donald Trump’s New York criminal case involving hush money payments, has indicated he plans to sentence the president-elect to an “unconditional discharge,” citing the presidential immunity doctrine. The sentencing is set for January 10, just ten days before Trump’s inauguration, though his legal team is expected to challenge the proceedings.

“An unconditional discharge appears to be the most viable solution to ensure finality and allow Defendant to pursue his appellate options,” Merchan wrote, balancing respect for the jury’s conviction with the need to avoid disrupting the presidential transition.

The ruling stems from Trump’s May conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records tied to a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. Although the charges could carry up to four years in prison, Merchan’s plan would impose no prison time, fines, or probation, leaving the conviction on Trump’s record.

Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized the decision as a “direct violation of the Supreme Court’s Immunity decision,” asserting that no sentencing should occur during the transition period. Trump’s legal team has also hinted at further appeals to delay the sentencing.

Merchan acknowledged Trump’s service as president but rejected outright dismissal of the charges, stating, “To vacate this verdict…would constitute a disproportionate result and cause immeasurable damage to the citizenry’s confidence in the Rule of Law.”

In his ruling, Merchan also rebuked Trump’s rhetoric and lack of respect for the judiciary, writing, “Defendant’s disdain for the Third Branch of government…is a matter of public record.” He criticized Trump’s legal team for using inflammatory language in court filings, noting it “has no place in legal pleadings.”

The jury’s guilty verdict last summer made Trump the first U.S. president, current or former, to be criminally convicted. Merchan’s proposed sentence aims to balance the principles of presidential immunity with the sanctity of the jury’s decision, ensuring the transition of power proceeds while maintaining accountability under the law.