04/01/2025
DONALD TRUMP TO BE SENTENCED DAYS BEFORE SWEARING IN AS PRESIDENT.
In a written decision, Merchan also indicated he would not jail Trump.
Newsweek reached out to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche via email for comment Friday evening.
Why It Matters
Trump was supposed to be sentenced in July but his hearing was delayed until after this year's presidential election in November. When he won the presidency, the case was put in limbo, with Merchan postponing his sentencing indefinitely.
In late May, Trump became the first president to be convicted of a crime and he will also be the first president-elect to be sentenced for a crime ahead of his second term, which will begin after his inauguration on January 20.
What To Know
Merchan suggested in a decision Friday that he'd sentence Trump to a conditional discharge, which is when a case is closed without jail time, a fine or probation.
While Trump may not face a severe punishment, this is not the outcome his team wanted. Trump's lawyers attempted to dismiss the case, first on the grounds of presidential immunity and then in light of Trump's election victory, but the judge refused.
Merchan Explains Trump Sentencing Ruling
Merchan said in Friday's decision that he found "no legal impediment to sentencing" Trump and that it was "incumbent" on him to sentence the president-elect before his inauguration.
"Only by bringing finality to this matter" will the interests of justice be served, the judge said in his decision.
