Judge Juan Merchan has ordered President-elect Donald Trump to appear for sentencing in the New York hush money case on January 10, 2025—just 10 days before he is set to take the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. The judge’s decision allows for a virtual appearance, ensuring Trump can continue preparing for his presidential duties without interruption.
This unprecedented ruling comes after months of legal wrangling and contentious debates over whether a sitting or incoming president should face sentencing in a state court case. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had argued for further delays, suggesting that sentencing be postponed indefinitely during Trump’s presidency. However, Judge Merchan dismissed these arguments, stating the case requires closure to uphold the sanctity of the judicial process.
The case stems from Trump’s May 2024 conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to alleged hush money payments during the 2016 election. Trump’s defense team had filed numerous motions challenging the verdict, citing “unlawful” conduct by the prosecution and procedural violations. However, Judge Merchan reaffirmed the jury’s unanimous verdict, claiming the importance of respecting the rule of law.
In his ruling, Merchan addressed the concerns raised by Trump’s