No Jail for Trump? Judge Signals Conditions in Hush Money Case

Former President Donald Trump is set to be sentenced on January 10 in a New York court for his involvement in the hush money case linked to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The decision comes just days before Trump is scheduled to assume office as the President of the United States. Judge Juan Merchan, presiding over the case, indicated in his recent order that the sentencing would not include imprisonment, fines, or probation. Instead, the judge noted that specific conditions would be imposed. Trump has the option to appear in person or virtually for the sentencing.

Trump’s legal team has condemned the court’s decision, calling it “unjust” and reiterating their call for the case to be dismissed. The case stems from allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment made to Daniels through his former attorney Michael Cohen during the 2016 presidential campaign. The payment was allegedly intended to silence Daniels about an affair she claims to have had with Trump, which he has consistently denied.

In May 2023, a jury found Trump guilty of falsifying records related to the payment. Trump, however, has pleaded not guilty and maintains that the charges are politically motivated to undermine his 2024 presidential campaign.

Judge Merchan stated that delaying the sentencing until the end of Trump’s upcoming presidential term in 2029 was unnecessary. Instead, the court opted to proceed with a resolution that avoids prison time, citing Trump’s unique position as an incoming president.

Trump’s legal representatives argued that the case would hinder his ability to fulfill presidential duties, but the judge dismissed the claim, emphasizing the need for accountability.

If the sentencing proceeds as planned, Trump will become the first U.S. president to assume office while convicted of a criminal charge. Legal experts suggest that while the case carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison, Trump’s age and legal history make a non-custodial sentence more likely. The former president faces additional legal challenges, including a federal case involving classified documents and state cases related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Trump previously appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking dismissal of the case under claims of presidential immunity. However, the court ruled that such protections apply only to official actions taken during a president’s term and declined to intervene.

This case is one of several legal battles Trump is navigating as he prepares to return to the White House. His legal team has vowed to appeal any unfavorable rulings.