In a move that has ignited political and legal controversy, New York Judge Juan Merchan denied a motion to postpone the sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump in the New York “hush money” case. The sentencing remains set for Friday, January 10—just ten days before Trump is scheduled to return to the White House for his second term.
The decision is seen by Trump’s supporters as another chapter in what they have labeled a politically motivated campaign to undermine his presidency and disrupt the transfer of power.
In his ruling, Judge Merchan dismissed Trump’s arguments for a delay, describing them as largely repetitive of previous motions.
“This Court has considered Defendant’s arguments in support of his motion and finds that they are, for the most part, a repetition of the arguments he has raised numerous times in the past,” wrote Merchan, referencing motions to vacate Trump’s conviction and dismiss the indictment. Both motions had been denied in December 2024 and January 2025.
Merchan further stated that Trump’s legal team relied on authorities that were either factually distinct from the case or legally inapplicable.
Trump has condemned the decision in characteristically fiery terms, calling it a direct attack on democracy and the presidency.
“If this decision is allowed to stand, it would be the end of the Presidency as we know it,” Trump declared last week.
In a scathing statement, Trump referred to Merchan as a “radical partisan” and accused the judge of trampling on constitutional rights.
“This illegitimate political attack is nothing but a Rigged Charade,” Trump said. “Merchan has so little respect for the Constitution that he is keeping in place an illegal gag order on me, your President and President-Elect, just so I cannot expose his and his family’s disqualifying and illegal conflicts.”
Trump also criticized the gag order, labeling it a “despicable First Amendment violation” that prevents him from adequately defending himself.
The case against Trump stems from a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016, intended to secure her silence about an alleged affair with Trump in 2006. The payment, classified as a legal expense in Trump’s business records, resulted in his May conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Trump has consistently denied Daniels’ allegations, and his legal team has argued that the charges represent an overreach aimed at tarnishing his reputation and impeding his political career.
While Judge Merchan’s ruling marks a setback, Trump’s legal team may still attempt to have an appeals court overturn the decision. Such a move could delay sentencing further, although time is running short with the January 20 inauguration fast approaching.
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung issued a statement emphasizing the importance of allowing Trump to focus on the presidential transition.
“President Trump must be allowed to continue the Presidential Transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this or any remnants of the Witch Hunts,” Cheung said.
Trump’s legal battles come as he prepares to take office for a historic second term. He is the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges after leaving office, making the political stakes surrounding the case unprecedented.
Supporters argue that the timing of the sentencing is no coincidence, claiming it is designed to cast a shadow over Trump’s return to power. Critics, on the other hand, view the case as a necessary step to hold public figures accountable.
As Trump’s sentencing approaches, the nation remains deeply divided. To his supporters, this case is emblematic of a justice system weaponized against political opponents. To his detractors, it is a long-overdue reckoning for a man who has consistently skirted legal and ethical boundaries.
The January 10 sentencing will likely dominate headlines in the lead-up to Trump’s inauguration, with implications that go far beyond the courtroom. Whether the appeals process succeeds or the sentencing proceeds as planned, this case underscores the persistent tension between the judiciary, the executive branch, and public opinion in an era of hyper-partisan politics.
One thing is certain: the eyes of the nation—and the world—will be fixed on New York as the next chapter in this historic saga unfolds.
10 Comments
Boy was I wrong again ! For some strange reason I have been under the illusion that Judges who pass their judgements onto the accused were honorable & followed the laws. Well that definitely was an illusion, where’s the honor, what has changed & why ? One of the stepping stones to MAGA is to put the law back into legal matters & charge/punish the real offenders, even if they wear a black robe & seem to think that they are above the law.
You are very right this is a judge that is putting his personal wants and believes before the law and what is best for the nation for this is something that could split this nation forever and cause stuff that nobody wants to see happen and will also weaking this nation in the world’s eyes and invite take over by others
This asshole judge is clueless of what’s going to happen to him and his daughter and family when the biggest colonoscopy investigations begin even Asshole judges aren’t above the law. His daughter made millions on her fathers rulings she also may go to prison. Start getting attorneys your going to need them next
The person law suits against them and the states. Judges also go to prison for fraud and corruption. Bubba awaits you. You don’t have any friends anymore
Watch the Dems squeal when the judge and prosecutors are under investigation and prosecuted. It ought to be interesting to see.
I’m convinced the Judge voted Biden&Harris and donated anonymously to their campaign.
There is no question but that he is a “closet” Trump hater trying to stay hidden inside judicial procedures…
We knew all of this, when we voted. Justice is coming. Justice will find them.
This evil and political partisan circus has gone on way too long already!
This Partisan Criminal of a so called judge should be arrested and charged with Sedition and Treason! He is doing exactly what the Criminal Conspirators of the J6 Committee accused the J6 2020 election fraud rally attendees of doing back then! This judge is disrupting and out to not only get Trump the duly elected President but to stymie, stain and directly disrupt the Transfer of Power from the evil fraud Biden/Harris administration to the DULY elected New President Donald Trump!
Judge Merchan must be arrested and tried for his flagrant abuse and violation of the judicial system and his position of authority while moreover abusing President Trump and the American People!
And when found guilty he should be immediately hung at GITMO! That would be genuine rule of law and swift justice!
New York Sate Justice Merchan has obviously destroyed any legal veracity he had, by plunging the legal system into political intrigue. His failure to recuse himself speaks encyclopedic volumes. But now, by seeking the court to impede Constitutional due-process, he raises the urgency for his own prosecution after his upcoming censure, and disbarment.
Merchan is on borrowed time. I’m pretty sure the new Trump DOJ will bring hellfire down on this corrupt pos!
Agreed!