Trump's Felony Stands As Sentencing Nears: Judge Signals Leniency

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second inauguration, a New York judge has upheld his felony conviction in the hush money case and set sentencing for January 10. Judge Juan Merchan indicated that Trump would receive no prison or probation, signaling leniency in the sentencing process. This development leaves Trump on course to be the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes.

Trump was convicted in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records, involving a scheme to hide a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels in the last weeks of his first campaign in 2016. The payout was made to keep her from publicizing claims she'd had sex with the married Trump years earlier. Trump maintains that her story is false and that he did nothing wrong.

After Trump's November election victory, his lawyers urged Merchan to dismiss the entire case, arguing that going forward with proceedings or even simply delaying them until after his presidency would create "unacceptable diversions and distractions from President Trump’s efforts to lead the Nation." Prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office voiced their own concerns about interfering with the presidency if the sentencing takes place after Inauguration Day, January 20. However, they still urged Merchan to honor the jury's verdict by keeping Trump's criminal convictions in place.

The hush money case is the only one of Trump's four criminal indictments to go to trial. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases, one pertained to Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss, and the other alleged he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate, state-level election interference case in Georgia is largely on hold.



Trump's conviction and upcoming sentencing could have implications for his business empire's ethical standing among investors, as well as the performance of his publicly traded companies, such as Trump International Hotels and Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts. The negative publicity and legal uncertainty surrounding Trump's legal situation could potentially impact investor confidence and stock performance. Additionally, changes in Trump's business strategy or leadership in response to his legal situation could influence investor sentiment and stock performance.

Moreover, Trump's felony conviction could impact his ability to run for president in 2028 and his political influence within the Republican Party. While the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly bar felons from running for president, some states have laws that could prevent him from appearing on the ballot. Trump's conviction may also negatively impact his public image and support among Republican voters, potentially affecting his ability to secure the Republican nomination in 2028.



In conclusion, Trump's felony conviction and upcoming sentencing could have significant implications for his business empire, political career, and the broader economy. As the sentencing nears, investors and political observers alike will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and what impact it has on Trump's future prospects.