Donald Trump: Verdict Expected on January 10 in the Stormy Daniels Case, No Prison Sentence Anticipated

Judge Juan Merchan has ordered Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, to appear on January 10, 2025, to learn his sentence in the case of concealed payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star. This historic trial, which found the former president guilty of 34 counts of falsifying financial documents, is not expected to result in a prison sentence, according to the judge.

A Historic Verdict Without Prison Time

On May 30, Trump became the first former U.S. president to be criminally convicted, primarily for payments made in 2016 to silence Stormy Daniels about an alleged affair in 2006. Trump denies any relationship with her, though the court has determined otherwise. The $130,000 payment aimed to safeguard his presidential campaign, which he ultimately won.

The president-elect can choose to appear in person at the Manhattan courthouse or attend via video conference, a decision he must communicate by January 5. The judge stated in an 18-page order that although a prison sentence is technically possible, it is not being considered in this case.

A Strong Response from Trump’s Camp

Trump reacted sharply on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the case an “illegitimate political attack” and a “sham,” while accusing Judge Merchan of bias. This appearance comes just ten days before his inauguration on January 20, when he will officially become the 47th president of the United States.

Despite multiple appeals to overturn the verdict based on presidential immunity, which was expanded by the Supreme Court on July 1, Trump’s team has not succeeded. This trial and its surrounding accusations highlight the ongoing political and legal tensions within the country.