Trump hush money sentencing set for January 10 — and judge says he'll likely walk away with zero punishment
Business InsiderJAN 1
Trump to be Sentenced in Hush Money Case on Jan. 10
Above: US Pres.-elect Donald Trump pictured at Manhattan criminal court in New York, US, on May 30, 2024. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Bloomberg/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
In signaling that he plans to issue an unconditional discharge, as well as making Trump's attendance at the sentencing hearing that's before the inauguration voluntary, this was the right play from the judge. It counters arguments that sentencing will interfere with Trump's presidency while ensuring he will be the first convicted felon to be sworn in.
Republican narrative
This was a corrupt case of political persecution in which Democrat-aligned judges and prosecutors sought to interfere with the election so their preferred candidate would win. Now that Trump got the other attempts thrown out and secured a victory at the Supreme Court on presidential immunity, the corrupt judge still wants to his pound of flesh.