President-elect Donald Trump will not serve time in prison following his May conviction for multiple alleged felonies in New York. This decision was made clear by Judge Juan Merchan, who on Friday upheld the jury’s verdict but signaled that Trump would face no actual punishment beyond the “convicted felon” label—a designation that Democrats and media critics are likely to use as political ammunition.
Judge Merchan’s Friday ruling set a sentencing hearing for January 10 but clarified that Trump would not be sentenced to prison, probation, or even fines. Instead, Trump was granted an “unconditional discharge,” effectively ending the criminal case.
In his ruling, Merchan stated, “A sentence of an unconditional discharge appears to be the most viable solution to ensure finality and allow Defendant to pursue his appellate options.”
While Trump’s legal team welcomed the lack of punitive measures, they remained focused on appealing the conviction.
Despite avoiding prison, Trump expressed outrage over the trial, denouncing it as a politically motivated “witch hunt.” On Truth Social, Trump cited legal experts who criticized the case as baseless and beyond the statute of limitations.
“This illegitimate political attack is nothing but a Rigged Charade,” Trump wrote. He accused Merchan of being a “radical partisan” and blasted the judge’s decision to maintain a gag order that prohibits Trump from publicly discussing aspects of the case.
In another post, Trump claimed, “Merchan took the Bragg Hoax that, according to all Legal Scholars, should have been dead on arrival and, through his fraud and misconduct, gave it a semblance of ‘life.’”
Trump’s attacks on Judge Merchan intensified in the wake of the ruling. Early Saturday, Trump labeled Merchan a “corrupt judge” and accused him of allowing “illegal conflicts” to influence the case. “Keeps a ‘gag order’ on me so that I can’t talk about how crooked he is,” Trump wrote. “He should be disbarred!”
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Merchan’s ruling violated presidential immunity established by a Supreme Court decision last summer.
“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.
The charges against Trump stem from allegations of falsifying business records, a case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Trump and his allies have maintained that the prosecution was a partisan effort to tarnish his reputation as he prepares to assume the presidency.
Judge Merchan’s refusal to impose penalties beyond the conviction itself effectively closes this chapter, but the label of “convicted felon” remains a point of contention. Trump’s legal team plans to challenge the conviction on appeal, and the ruling has only fueled Trump’s rhetoric about being the target of politically motivated investigations.
The lack of a prison sentence might seem like a victory for Trump, but the lingering conviction presents challenges for his administration. Democrats and media critics are likely to seize on the label, using it as a talking point to undermine his presidency.
On the other hand, Trump’s supporters view the ruling as evidence of his resilience against what they perceive as partisan attacks. His fiery denunciations of the prosecution and judiciary are likely to energize his base further.
With the sentencing hearing set for January 10, Trump’s focus will likely shift to appealing the conviction and countering the narrative being built by his critics. His legal battles are far from over, but avoiding prison provides some breathing room as he transitions into office.
For now, Trump remains defiant, using the case as a rallying cry against perceived corruption in the justice system. As he continues to challenge the conviction, the outcome will not only shape his presidency but could also influence the broader political landscape for years to come.
The ruling by Judge Merchan marks a significant moment in Trump’s ongoing legal battles, providing him with a reprieve from the immediate threat of incarceration while leaving the conviction intact. As Trump continues to rail against the case, his words resonate with supporters who see him as a victim of political persecution.
The case may be nearing its conclusion in court, but its impact on Trump’s presidency and the political discourse in America is just beginning.
