Outrage as Judge Juan Merchan sets Donald Trump's sentencing date four days before GOP nomination
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a move that ignited widespread fury, Judge Juan Merchan set former president Donald Trump's sentencing date for Thursday, July 11, just four days before the start of the Republican National Convention.
Trump, who was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, will be sentenced at 10 am on that date, leaving him a narrow window to appeal the verdict before the convention commences on Monday, July 15 in Milwaukee, the Daily Mail reported.
Donald Trump's legal team cannot appeal until after sentencing
On Thursday, May 30, Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, marking a significant moment in his legal battles.
Judge Merchan, who presided over the case, will determine whether Trump's punishment will include jail time. Until the sentencing date, Trump will remain released on his own recognizance.
Trump's legal team is expected to appeal the verdict, though the appeal cannot be officially filed until after the sentencing. The former president's conviction followed a highly publicized trial involving five weeks of dramatic evidence and testimonies from 22 witnesses.
Prosecutors alleged that Trump attempted to "corrupt" the 2016 election by concealing a $130,000 hush money payment made by his former attorney Michael Cohen to Stormy Daniels, who claimed to have had an affair with Trump a decade earlier—a claim he has consistently denied.
Despite his conviction, Trump remained defiant, stating outside the courtroom, "The real verdict is going to be November 5th by the people and they know what happened here and everybody knows what happened here."
Each of the 34 counts carries a potential prison sentence of up to four years. If the sentences are served concurrently, Trump could face decades in prison. However, as a non-violent, first-time offender, he might avoid prison time.
Possible sentences include probation, community service, or home arrest, any of which would be complicated by his status as a former president with a Secret Service detail.
If sentenced to prison, it remains unclear whether Trump would have to report immediately, given the anticipated appeal process. This process could extend well past the November 5 election, potentially affecting his campaign.
Announcement of Donald Trump's sentencing date sparks fury online
The announcement of the sentencing date ignited a wave of outrage on social media. One user on Facebook exclaimed, "ABSOLUTELY TREASONOUS!!!" while another commented, "So, Democrats, tell us again that definition of ELECTION INTERFERENCE."
One user expressed, "The judge should be removed from the bench, then barred, and the DNC should be immediately investigated."
Another echoed similar sentiments, "This is the plan for the democrats.... They are so afraid of Trump that these idiots are doing this witch hunt. Hypocrites...."
"All a big planned setup. In the long run, this will hurt NYC in a huge way," remarked one user.
Another added, "Democrats are EVERYTHING they accuse Trump of," while a further comment ominously stated, "Demonic democrats want a civil war." "Tens of reasons for a mistrial," insisted one comment.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
