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In a significant legal development today, former President Donald Trump appeared virtually in New York court for his sentencing hearing before Judge Juan Merchan at 10:30 AM. This proceeding followed the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to deny Trump’s request for a delay, with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joining the liberal justices in the majority.
During the hearing, prosecutors expressed satisfaction with a potential no-penalty sentence, with prosecutor Steinglass noting “all the circumstances of this case, its unique posture and the defendant’s status as president-elect.” He emphasized that “the verdict in this case was unanimous and decisive and it must be respected.”
Unconstitutional Discharge… Did all of you liberals bookmark my post when I told you that Trump won't see a minute of jail time
Raise your hand ✋️ if you want Pam Bondi to investigate how Judge Merchan's family profited by this fake prosecution of Trump pic.twitter.com/RChk4jNVKX
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) January 10, 2025
Throughout the prosecutors’ statements, Trump appeared visibly reactive on screen, shaking his head while his eyes moved across the display. The proceedings offered courtroom observers an unusually close view of Trump’s expressions through the camera’s tight framing on him and his attorney Blanche.
Trump forcefully defended himself during the hearing, declaring his innocence and characterizing the proceedings as a politically motivated attack. He described the situation as detrimental to New York’s judicial system and maintained that no crime had been committed.
I'll NEVER FORGET the SECOND Stormy Daniels letter denying her affair with President Trump.
Judge Merchan FORCED Trump to delete the first letter and fined him $9,000.
Sure would be a shame if everyone shared this… pic.twitter.com/lqRlKb0mlK
— Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) January 9, 2025
Judge Merchan, who permitted audio broadcasting of the proceedings, ultimately delivered his sentence without imposing any punishment, considering Trump’s upcoming return to the White House. The decision marks a historic moment, as Trump becomes the first president-elect to carry a criminal conviction into office when he takes the oath on January 20.
The case represents a significant milestone in American political and legal history, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Trump’s political career and his legal challenges. Democrats have achieved their objective of securing a felony conviction against the former president, though without any immediate practical consequences for his presidential aspirations.
