A New York judge has scheduled sentencing for President-elect Donald Trump on January 10, just days before his January 20 inauguration. Judge Juan Merchan, presiding over Trump’s hush money case, indicated he is unlikely to impose jail time, leaning toward an unconditional discharge.

The decision follows Trump’s May conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Despite potential penalties of up to four years in prison, legal experts and prosecutors agree incarceration is impractical. Merchan's ruling also upheld the jury’s decision, dismissing motions from Trump’s legal team to overturn the conviction.

Trump denounced the outcome on Truth Social, calling the case a “Rigged Charade” and labeling Merchan a “radical partisan.” His legal team argued unsuccessfully that the Supreme Court's precedent on presidential immunity should protect him. Merchan noted, however, that Trump’s presidential immunity would only apply once he takes office.

“Recognizing that immunity will likely attach upon inauguration, the Court deems it necessary to impose sentence prior to January 20,” Merchan stated.

Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the ruling as unconstitutional, demanding the case’s dismissal to allow Trump to focus on the presidential transition.

This legal drama adds to Trump’s mounting legal challenges. Two federal cases—concerning efforts to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents—were previously dropped under Justice Department policy protecting sitting presidents. Trump also faces racketeering charges in Georgia, likely to be paused during his presidency.

With sentencing approaching, Trump’s team is expected to appeal, potentially delaying proceedings. If upheld, Trump would enter office as a convicted felon, marking an unprecedented moment in U.S. history.

A New York judge has scheduled sentencing for President-elect Donald Trump on January 10, just days before his January 20 inauguration. Judge Juan Merchan, presiding over Trump’s hush money case, indicated he is unlikely to impose jail time, leaning toward an unconditional discharge.

The decision follows Trump’s May conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Despite potential penalties of up to four years in prison, legal experts and prosecutors agree incarceration is impractical. Merchan's ruling also upheld the jury’s decision, dismissing motions from Trump’s legal team to overturn the conviction.

Trump denounced the outcome on Truth Social, calling the case a “Rigged Charade” and labeling Merchan a “radical partisan.” His legal team argued unsuccessfully that the Supreme Court's precedent on presidential immunity should protect him. Merchan noted, however, that Trump’s presidential immunity would only apply once he takes office.

“Recognizing that immunity will likely attach upon inauguration, the Court deems it necessary to impose sentence prior to January 20,” Merchan stated.

Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the ruling as unconstitutional, demanding the case’s dismissal to allow Trump to focus on the presidential transition.

This legal drama adds to Trump’s mounting legal challenges. Two federal cases—concerning efforts to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents—were previously dropped under Justice Department policy protecting sitting presidents. Trump also faces racketeering charges in Georgia, likely to be paused during his presidency.

With sentencing approaching, Trump’s team is expected to appeal, potentially delaying proceedings. If upheld, Trump would enter office as a convicted felon, marking an unprecedented moment in U.S. history.