Supporters of Donald Trump are upset after a Manhattan judge refused to dismiss the former president’s conviction related to the hush money scandal. On Monday, Judge Juan M. Merchan ruled against Trump’s request to throw out the jury’s verdict from May, which found him guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
The charges are connected to a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to prevent her from speaking about an alleged affair with Trump in 2007, just before the 2016 election.
Trump and his supporters have pushed back strongly against the ruling. Campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung called it a “direct violation” of the Supreme Court’s decision from July, which granted Trump immunity for actions he took while serving as president.
Mike Davis, a lawyer and former nominee for Attorney General under Trump, accused the judge of “clear corruption,” pointing to Merchan’s daughter, Loren, who has ties to progressive political causes. Trump’s camp has suggested that Merchan’s family connections could influence his decision in the case.
Trump was convicted in May, and Merchan’s ruling means the case will move forward unless Trump’s legal team succeeds in their appeals. If the conviction stands, it’s still unclear when or if Trump will face sentencing. Judge Merchan has not decided whether to impose a sentence before Trump takes office in January 2025, or after his term ends in 2029.
In July, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump cannot face federal charges for actions taken while he was president, but it also clarified that he could still be charged for personal actions. Trump’s legal team tried to use this decision to get the case thrown out, arguing that the hush money payments were part of his official duties. But Merchan disagreed, saying the case dealt with Trump’s personal actions, not his presidential role.
Trump’s spokesperson Steven Cheung called the case a “witch hunt,” saying that it was a violation of the Supreme Court ruling and that it should be dismissed immediately. He argued that the case was interfering with Trump’s presidential duties.
Mike Davis also criticized the decision, suggesting that Judge Merchan was biased because of his daughter’s political ties. He called for a mistrial, claiming that Merchan ignored the law.
Others, like legal commentator Leo Terrell, blasted Judge Merchan, calling him “idiotic” and “incompetent,” and predicting the decision would be overturned on appeal. Activist Laura Loomer also accused Merchan of being corrupt, pointing to his family’s connections.
On the other hand, Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, defended Merchan’s decision. He said the case was about Trump’s personal actions, not his presidential duties, and argued that Trump likely wouldn’t face jail time.
Trump’s legal team plans to appeal Merchan’s decision, which could bring the case back to the Supreme Court. If the conviction stands, it’s still unclear when Trump will be sentenced, or what the punishment will be.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has suggested that sentencing could be delayed until after Trump’s presidency to avoid interfering with his duties. Trump’s lawyers have called this suggestion “thuggish.”
