Trump To Be Sentenced on January 10 In Hush Money Case
In a landmark decision, a judge has ruled that US President-elect Donald Trump must be sentenced on January 10 in the criminal case involving hush money paid to a porn star. This development comes after Trump's conviction in May 2024 on charges of falsifying business records to cover up the payment.
According to Justice Juan Merchan, Trump may appear for the sentencing either in-person or virtually, just 10 days before his inauguration. The judge has indicated that a sentence of "unconditional discharge" - meaning no custody, monetary fine, or probation - would be the most viable solution. Trump's lawyers had argued that having the case hang over him during his presidency would impede his ability to govern.
However, Merchan rejected this argument, stating that setting aside the jury's verdict would "undermine the Rule of Law in immeasurable ways." The judge's decision is a significant blow to Trump's efforts to avoid accountability for his actions. The case stems from a $130,000 payment made by Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen to adult film actor Stormy Daniels.
The payment was for her silence before the 2016 election about a sexual encounter she claimed to have had with Trump, which he denies. A Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up the payment. The sentencing of Trump on January 10 will be a historic moment, marking the first time a US president-elect has been convicted of a crime.
The development has sparked intense debate and discussion, with many questioning the implications of a president serving while convicted of a felony. Trump's supporters have argued that the case is a witch hunt, while his critics have called for him to be held accountable for his actions. As the sentencing approaches, the nation remains divided on the issue.
The outcome of the sentencing will have significant implications for Trump's presidency and the country as a whole. Will Trump receive a lenient sentence, or will he face more severe consequences for his actions? The nation will be watching as this historic case unfolds.
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