Trump slams sentencing decision as “political attack,” citing unfair legal process

Donald Trump denounced a New York judge’s decision to sentence him on January 10, just days before the presidential inauguration, as a “political attack” and a “staged farce.”

The sentencing stems from Trump’s conviction related to a $130,000 hush money payment made by his former lawyer Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. The case marks the first time a former U.S. president has been convicted of a crime.

In a heated post on Truth Social, Trump described the case as “nonexistent” and “long past the statute of limitations.” He further criticised Judge Juan Merchan as a “radical partisan,” claiming the decision violated constitutional principles.

“Judge Merchan just issued another knowingly illegal ruling, which defies our Constitution and, if upheld, would mark the end of the presidency as we know it,” Trump wrote. He also accused the judge of suppressing his ability to defend himself publicly, calling the gag order in the case “unconstitutional.”

The ex-president added, “I am the only political opponent in U.S. history barred from defending myself while running for office.”

Trump was found guilty in May following a unanimous jury decision. Although the sentencing has been delayed due to his presidential campaign, Trump made history in November as the first person elected to the White House after a criminal conviction.

Judge Merchan clarified that Trump would not face jail time, a stance agreed upon by prosecutors. He also noted that Trump could participate in the sentencing virtually instead of appearing in person.

“It is appropriate at this time to make clear the court’s inclination to impose no custodial sentence, a punishment allowed under the conviction but one prosecutors no longer consider a viable recommendation,” Merchan wrote.