Trump Faces No Penalties in Criminal Hush Money Case as NY Judge Upholds Conviction

Trump Faces No Penalties in Criminal Hush Money Case

A New York judge ruled on Friday that President-elect Donald Trump will face no penalties in connection with his conviction in the hush money case, though the conviction itself remains intact.

Judge Juan Merchan rejected Trump’s request to overturn the jury's verdict, despite his reelection in November. With the ruling, Trump will become the first convicted felon to assume the presidency, though he will not face any immediate legal consequences.

The judge scheduled a sentencing hearing for January 10, just days before Trump is set to be inaugurated for a second term. Merchan indicated that the case is nearing its end, noting that the lack of penalties allows Trump to continue pursuing his appeal. This move effectively eliminates any urgent concerns about the case interfering with Trump’s duties as president.

In his decision, Merchan highlighted that a sentence of "unconditional discharge" would offer closure while preserving Trump’s appellate rights. This would also make it easier for Trump to continue with his legal challenges without the risk of a penalty hanging over his presidency.

The ruling was seen as a strategic decision by the judge. "By announcing no punishment in advance and allowing remote sentencing, Judge Merchan has effectively neutralized any arguments that the process could unduly burden Trump’s presidential duties," said CNN legal analyst Elie Honig. Merchan also took into account internal U.S. Justice Department opinions suggesting that sitting presidents are immune from prosecution, noting that this perspective had been raised in Trump’s arguments. However, the judge ruled that these considerations did not warrant postponing the sentencing.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 hush money settlement to adult-film star Stormy Daniels, who had claimed an affair with Trump before the 2016 election. Trump has denied the affair.

Originally scheduled for July, Trump’s sentencing was delayed twice due to the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity, which Trump’s legal team argued could be used to dismiss the case altogether. His lawyers contended that evidence tied to his conduct while president should be shielded from prosecution under the immunity doctrine. However, Judge Merchan ruled that the conviction could not be overturned based on this immunity claim, as the evidence did not directly involve Trump’s official presidential duties.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had pushed to uphold the conviction, arguing that dismissing it would be an extreme and unwarranted action. His office noted that while the sentencing could be delayed or adjusted due to Trump's reelection, the jury's conviction should remain in place. A spokesperson for Bragg’s office declined to comment on the ruling.

In response, Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, blasted the ruling as a "direct violation" of the Supreme Court's immunity decision. "President Trump must be free to carry out the duties of the presidency without distraction from this ongoing witch hunt," Cheung said.

"There should be no sentencing, and Trump will continue to fight these hoaxes until they are fully dismissed."