President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his outrage after learning that his sentencing for the hush money case, involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels, will take place just days before his inauguration. “This illegitimate political attack is nothing but a rigged charade,” Trump lashed out on his Truth Social platform Friday, condemning the decision made by Judge Juan Merchan.
The sentencing, scheduled for January 10, falls a mere ten days before Trump is set to be sworn in as president for a second term. Judge Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, has refused to overturn the New York jury’s guilty verdict, which convicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Trump, however, continues to maintain that the case is part of a political conspiracy aimed at sabotaging his presidency. The hush money case centers around accusations that Trump made payments to Daniels in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election to conceal their alleged extramarital affair.
The allegations claim that the payment was meant to prevent Daniels from speaking out about the affair, which Trump has always denied. Despite his denials, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen testified that the payment was part of a plan to silence Daniels, reports the Express US.
Trump was convicted in May of falsifying business records related to the payment. Although he faces no jail time, the case has been a point of contention. Trump insists the accusations are false and claims he did nothing wrong. Despite the conviction, the Supreme Court granted Trump ‘presidential immunity,’ further complicating his legal situation as he prepares for his second term.
The timing of the sentencing is significant, occurring just as Trump is preparing to resume his presidential duties. The decision has drawn attention from political observers, with some speculating that the case is being timed to undermine Trump’s influence as he takes office again.
Meanwhile, Judge Merchan’s ruling signaled that Trump would likely receive a “conditional discharge,” meaning the case could be dismissed if he avoids rearrest. While Trump remains firm in his claims of political persecution, the case continues to play out in the background of his political comeback. As his inauguration approaches, the hush money scandal remains a key focal point of ongoing legal and political battles.