Staff Reports
Donald Trump’s legal saga is far from over, even with the electorate effectively giving him a clean slate with his recent election victory. The political circus has undergone a new act, as New York Judge Juan Merchan has decided that sentencing on Trump’s hush money case will roll out just ten days before he once again takes the Oath of Office. The timing couldn’t be more theatrical if it tried, but if the judge wants drama, he’s certainly picked the right leading man.
Merchan recently decreed that Trump would still face sentencing on 34 counts of falsified documents, tied to payments allegedly made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, in a case that many believe is more about politics than facts. The judge dismissed claims from Trump’s defense team looking for a get-out-of-jail-free card—also known as case dismissal—on grounds of presidential immunity. Merchan proclaimed that there’s “no legal impediment” to holding this trial during the countdown to the inauguration. It’s refreshing to see a judge concerned about the sanctity of a guilty verdict, but one has to wonder whose interests are truly being prioritized here.
Judge Merchan sets Trump's sentencing in hush money case for Jan. 10 – just 10 days before he's sworn in – but signals no jail time pic.twitter.com/TcxPVuCo1u
— Rantingly (@rantinglydotcom) January 3, 2025
The judge also acknowledged a smorgasbord of factors influencing his ruling, such as governance without legal shackles and upholding equal justice under the law. However, it’s hard not to notice that “equal justice” seems to have a different interpretation when it comes to Trump. Critics are convinced that Merchan is fine-tuning a timely political jab, making sure that come inauguration day, the media can plaster headlines about a “convicted felon” claiming the presidency. It seems orchestrated; after all, why not unleash such devastating claims just when Trump is set to bask in the glory of a historic comeback?
Legal experts and commentators alike have chimed in on this unusual and curious timing, with some arguing it’s a calculated move to keep Trump under a cloud of controversy as he assumes the presidency. One prominent law professor dubbed it a move to ensure that the “felon” label sticks in the minds of the public—an image that could haunt Trump long before any opportunity to appeal comes to fruition. The mock courtroom drama in New York has turned into a spectator sport, and all the while, everyone is left wondering about the real motives behind this timing.
Even Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, added his voice to the chorus of discontent, branding the judge as a “deeply conflicted” figure in what many call the Manhattan DA’s witch hunt. He argues that Merchan’s move violates the Supreme Court’s Immunity ruling, calling for an end to what is framed as a lawless pursuit. It’s interesting to see the left’s selective adherence to legal principles, especially when it comes to someone they failed to defeat at the ballot box.
Despite the political theatrics, Merchan posited that any sentence requiring Trump to serve actual time is unlikely. He hinted that an “unconditional discharge” might be on the table, allowing the former president to pursue his appellate options while folding his arms and rolling his eyes at the circus around him. But for now, as the clock ticks down to sentencing, the political stage is set and the liberal elite are ready to spin tales to accompany their fervent narrative. The real show is only just beginning.
