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Multiple legal experts have reacted after New York Judge Juan Merchan rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s bid to dismiss the absurd “hush money” case, and proceeded to set the ‘sentencing’ date as January 10.
Merchan indicated he would use an unconditional discharge sentencing, which allows a case to be closed without jail time, a fine or probation – but the conviction would remain on Trump’s record.
Law professor Jonathan Turley released the following statement in a series of social media posts:
Judge Merchan just set Trump for a sentencing shortly before his inauguration. As some of us predicted, he is indicating that he will impose an unconditional discharge without jail or probation…
The sentence will finalize the case and allow for an appeal. However, it would also label the President-elect a convicted felon just before he is sworn into office. It is the final cathartic act for lawfare warriors…
…The sentence will finalize the case and allow for an appeal. However, it would also label the President-elect a convicted felon just before he is sworn into office. It is the final cathartic act for lawfare warriors…
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) January 3, 2025
Merchan will supply the talking point for the inauguration coverage as reporters repeat the mantra of the historic status of Trump being sworn in as a convicted felon.
Yet,… we will also finally be able to see an appeal of his case. While there are low expectations for the New York court system, the sentencing will allow the full array of alleged errors by Merchan to be placed before appellate judges.
…we will also finally be able to see an appeal of his case. While there are low expectations for the New York court system, the sentencing will allow the full array of alleged errors by Merchan to be placed before appellate judges.
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) January 3, 2025
Legal expert and attorney Paul Ingrassia reacted to Turley’s post in another scorching rebuke against Merchan. He wrote:
The idea is to tarnish President Trump’s legacy with the absurd “convicted felon” label, ten days before the inauguration.
Our enemy is sick and will stop at nothing to sabotage and undermine — much like the Mueller probe and Russia, Russia, Russia — the legitimacy of a second Trump administration.
It’s something the Right should give zero credence to, but our efforts must be focused on restoring Justice. This can only be done with holding those who committed the egregious lawfare accountable for their actions!
The idea is to tarnish President Trump’s legacy with the absurd “convicted felon” label, ten days before the inauguration.
Our enemy is sick and will stop at nothing to sabotage and undermine — much like the Mueller probe and Russia, Russia, Russia — the legitimacy of a second… https://t.co/2Zo4Dri0ll
— Paul Ingrassia (@PaulIngrassia) January 3, 2025
Ingrassia also responded to the case in a scathing takedown on Substack.
He blasted Merchan’s “relentless assault on the Constitution and the country” by openly defying the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity, and said the judge has only “prolonged the lawfare” against Trump and further deepened the wound to New York’s legal system.
Noting the absurdity of the entire case, Ingrassia pointed out that hush money payments are not illegal and never have been.
“What Merchan represents is antithetical to the core meaning of Justice. The kangaroo show trial should offend any lawyer of decency – no matter his political affiliation,” Ingrassia declared.
Then, in a brutal assessment, Ingrassia concluded his lengthy analysis with the following:
Ultimately, this tragedy is not about Donald Trump, but about how our society views Justice, the pillar of freedom and democracy, particularly within the context of American constitutional governance.
If Justice is so cavalierly disregarded; if Merchan’s example of abusing its core tenets is granted with no reprisal, then our society deserves neither Justice nor Freedom, but the tyranny that inevitably overtakes the rule of men who abdicate the mantle of self-government.
🚨 BREAKING: Corrupt NYC judge schedules President Trump’s sentencing on January 10th, ten days before he is set to be sworn in as the country’s 47th President.
An absolute disgrace and travesty of justice! Unbelievable.
This has to be immediately appealed. pic.twitter.com/bmJVotQaMX
— Paul Ingrassia (@PaulIngrassia) January 3, 2025
In a social media post, Ingrassia wrote, “Juan Merchan’s a total imbecile who has no awareness of federal law and how to properly interpret and apply a sweeping decision by the Supreme Court, which granted immunity for official acts.
“His failure to apply the law faithfully and fairly warrants punitive measures, including disbarment. Same applies to the miscarriage of justice from Alvin Bragg’s office. New York’s legal system has become an utter joke that disregards due process and the fundamental rights of defendants with impunity. Banana republic!”
Juan Merchan’s a total imbecile who has no awareness of federal law and how to properly interpret and apply a sweeping decision by the Supreme Court, which granted immunity for official acts.
His failure to apply the law faithfully and fairly warrants punitive measures,… pic.twitter.com/JYNDOEowRU
— Paul Ingrassia (@PaulIngrassia) January 3, 2025
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