Judge Merchan Denies Delay in Trump’s Sentencing Before Inauguration

In a move that has ignited political and legal controversy, New York Judge Juan Merchan denied a motion to postpone the sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump in the New York “hush money” case. The sentencing remains set for Friday, January 10—just ten days before Trump is scheduled to return to the White House for his second term.

The decision is seen by Trump’s supporters as another chapter in what they have labeled a politically motivated campaign to undermine his presidency and disrupt the transfer of power.

In his ruling, Judge Merchan dismissed Trump’s arguments for a delay, describing them as largely repetitive of previous motions.

“This Court has considered Defendant’s arguments in support of his motion and finds that they are, for the most part, a repetition of the arguments he has raised numerous times in the past,” wrote Merchan, referencing motions to vacate Trump’s conviction and dismiss the indictment. Both motions had been denied in December 2024 and January 2025.

Merchan further stated that Trump’s legal team relied on authorities that were either factually distinct from the case or legally inapplicable.

Trump has condemned the decision in characteristically fiery terms, calling it a direct attack on democracy and the presidency.

“If this decision is allowed to stand, it would be the end of the Presidency as we know it,” Trump declared last week.

In a scathing statement, Trump referred to Merchan as a “radical partisan” and accused the judge of trampling on constitutional rights.

“This illegitimate political attack is nothing but a Rigged Charade,” Trump said. “Merchan has so little respect for the Constitution that he is keeping in place an illegal gag order on me, your President and President-Elect, just so I cannot expose his and his family’s disqualifying and illegal conflicts.”

Trump also criticized the gag order, labeling it a “despicable First Amendment violation” that prevents him from adequately defending himself.

The case against Trump stems from a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016, intended to secure her silence about an alleged affair with Trump in 2006. The payment, classified as a legal expense in Trump’s business records, resulted in his May conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Trump has consistently denied Daniels’ allegations, and his legal team has argued that the charges represent an overreach aimed at tarnishing his reputation and impeding his political career.

While Judge Merchan’s ruling marks a setback, Trump’s legal team may still attempt to have an appeals court overturn the decision. Such a move could delay sentencing further, although time is running short with the January 20 inauguration fast approaching.

Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung issued a statement emphasizing the importance of allowing Trump to focus on the presidential transition.

“President Trump must be allowed to continue the Presidential Transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this or any remnants of the Witch Hunts,” Cheung said.

Trump’s legal battles come as he prepares to take office for a historic second term. He is the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges after leaving office, making the political stakes surrounding the case unprecedented.

Supporters argue that the timing of the sentencing is no coincidence, claiming it is designed to cast a shadow over Trump’s return to power. Critics, on the other hand, view the case as a necessary step to hold public figures accountable.

As Trump’s sentencing approaches, the nation remains deeply divided. To his supporters, this case is emblematic of a justice system weaponized against political opponents. To his detractors, it is a long-overdue reckoning for a man who has consistently skirted legal and ethical boundaries.

The January 10 sentencing will likely dominate headlines in the lead-up to Trump’s inauguration, with implications that go far beyond the courtroom. Whether the appeals process succeeds or the sentencing proceeds as planned, this case underscores the persistent tension between the judiciary, the executive branch, and public opinion in an era of hyper-partisan politics.

One thing is certain: the eyes of the nation—and the world—will be fixed on New York as the next chapter in this historic saga unfolds.

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