Judge Hints No Jail for Trump

A New York judge in a surprise move Friday said he would sentence Donald Trump for his hush-money conviction before the president-elect begins his second term in the White House, but made clear that a prison term wasn’t a possibility.

- CORINNE RAMEY

State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan said he would sentence Trump next Friday, rejecting the former and future president's argument that the verdict couldn't remain in place after his re-election.

Manhattan prosecutors had agreed to postpone the sentencing until after Trump's second term or even never hold the proceeding, both of which the judge rejected.

"Finding no legal impediment to sentencing and recognizing that Presidential immunity will likely attach once Defendant takes his Oath of Office, it is incumbent upon this Court to set this matter down for the imposition of sentence prior to January 20, 2025," Merchan wrote in an 18-page decision.

The judge said he wasn't inclined to send Trump to jail, and that an unconditional discharge or a sentence without any punishment-was "the most viable solution to ensure finality and allow Defendant to pursue his appellate options." Merchan said that Trump could appear for his sentencing, which will be held in state court in Manhattan, either virtually or in person.