(DCWatchdog.com) – In a reversal of fortunes for President-elect Donald Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for his criminal sentencing in New York just days before his inauguration.
The nail-biting 5-4 decision saw one Trump-appointed justice siding against him.
Specifically, the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s request to delay sentencing in the politically motivated “hush money” case against him.
Trump, who has consistently maintained his innocence, was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels.
Allegedly disguised as legal expenses, the payment has been weaponized by his political opponents in a blatant attempt to derail his presidency before it even begins.
This decision was made by a narrow majority including Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who joined the court’s liberal wing.
The court’s decision ditched the critical argument Trump’s legal team put forth regarding presidential immunity.
The Supreme Court had previously ruled that sitting presidents have immunity from prosecution for “official acts” in office.
Therefore, Trump’s lawyers rightfully argued that this protection should extend to presidents-elect.
The failure to recognize this principle sets a dangerous precedent that political opponents could exploit to harass and obstruct future leaders.
Trump wasted no time slamming presiding Judge Juan Merchan. “It’s a judge that shouldn’t have been on the case,” the president-elect said.
He then went on his Truth Social platform, writing, “The pathetic, dying remnants of the Witch Hunts against me will not distract us.”
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, there is a silver lining. Merchan has indicated he would not impose jail time, opting instead for an “unconditional discharge” after a virtual hearing.
This decision, while far from exonerating Trump, at least acknowledges the absurd charges and the political nature of the prosecution.
The timing of this sentencing is no coincidence as it comes just ten days before Trump’s inauguration.
It has been described as a calculated move by the political establishment to cast a shadow over the incoming administration and undermine its legitimacy.
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