Internet divided as Trump set to attend probation hearing virtually ahead of hush money trial sentencing

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump is set to attend a virtual probation interview on Monday, June 10, following his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in his hush money trial.

Trump will participate in the interview from his Mar-a-Lago residence, NBC reported citing 'three sources "familiar" with the matter. 

Trump to participate in virtual interview from his home at Mar-a-Lago

This probation interview is a routine step in preparing the pre-sentencing report for Trump. Judge Juan Merchan is scheduled to sentence the former president on July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Following his conviction, Trump faces up to four years in prison, though probation remains a possibility. The Trump legal team may appeal to higher courts, potentially delaying the sentencing decision. Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, will be present during the interview, which will be conducted by a probation officer. The resulting report will be delivered to the judge. In the meantime, Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the trial's outcome.

During a Turning Point PAC town hall in Arizona on Thursday, he described the trial as "rigged," claiming, "With a highly conflicted judge where there was no crime, it was made up fabricated stuff. They didn't want to bring the case. They could have brought the case seven years ago but it's only when you run for office they bring cases."

Despite the conviction, Trump celebrated the Republican party's fundraising success, stating they had raised nearly $400 million in donations since the verdict. "They know it was rigged. They know it's corrupt, they know all about it," he said, urging appellate courts to intervene. "Those appellate courts have to step up and straighten things out or we're not going to have a country anymore."

A recent development could potentially impact the conviction. Judge Merchan informed the prosecution and Trump's defense attorneys about a Facebook post on the New York Unified Court System's page. The post, made by user Michael Anderson, read, "My cousin is a juror and says Trump is getting convicted [heart emoji] Thank you folks for all your hard work!!!!" If it is determined that this post came from a juror discussing the case before the verdict, it could serve as grounds for a mistrial.

Netizens react to Donald Trump's upcoming probation hearing

A user tweeted, "Probation hearing tomorrow Merchan must be salivating today with excitement to impose restrictions on the leading GOP candidate for President all in an effort to interfering with the election."

Another added, "Lock him up." A third said, "No drug test? No DNA sample? How many other convicted felons in NY had their probation hearing via Zoom? I think not one. Yes, the system is rigged - rigged in Trump’s favor."

"Someone has to pay the Piper," tweeted a user. "2-tier Justice System. One for Trump. One for everyone else," asserted another. "Trump’s upcoming probation Zoom" He should be there in person. Not "Zooming" it in," read a tweet.

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