Judge Rules on Trump Sentencing Ahead of Inauguration

Judge Rules on Trump Sentencing Ahead of Inauguration

A judge has ruled that US President-elect Donald Trump must be sentenced on January 10, 2025, following his conviction in May 2024 related to hush money payments to a porn star. Justice Juan Merchan denied Trump's motion to dismiss the case, asserting that his election victory did not exempt him from legal accountability.

The sentencing will occur just 10 days before Trump's inauguration, and he may attend either in person or virtually. Merchan suggested that an "unconditional discharge," meaning no custody, fine, or probation, could be the most appropriate outcome.

Trump's legal team argued that the ongoing case could hinder his ability to govern, but Merchan rejected this, stating that dismissing the jury's verdict would undermine the rule of law. 

Originally set for November 26, the sentencing was postponed after Trump's election win. Prosecutors proposed various solutions to minimize disruption, including delaying the sentencing until Trump leaves office in 2029 or ensuring a non-prison sentence.

The case revolves around a $130,000 payment made by Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to silence her about an alleged encounter with Trump, which he denies