New Delhi: On Friday, at 8 PM IST, a New York court is set to announce the sentence for US President elect Donald Trump in the hush money case. While the court has indicated that Trump will not be sent to prison, the decision has already sparked a political uproar in the United States.
The case against Trump
The case dates back to 2016, during Trump’s campaign for the presidency. He is accused of paying hush money to a porn star to silence her before the election. The court has already found him guilty in this matter.
If not jail, why does Trump fear the sentence?
Although the New York court has clarified that Trump will not face jail time, the nature of the sentence remains unknown. Analysts believe the verdict could impact Trump’s political career significantly. Experts argue that the sentence might be used to tarnish his public image ahead of his presidency.
Trump’s appeal to Supreme Court
To halt the sentencing, Trump had approached the Supreme Court. However, five of the nine judges ruled that the New York court could proceed with sentencing. Among those who ruled in Trump’s favor was Justice Samuel Alito, whose involvement has now become a source of controversy.
Controversy over Trump’s contact with a judge
Reports have emerged of a conversation between Justice Samuel Alito and Trump prior to the hearing, triggering a political scandal. Justice Alito admitted to speaking with Trump on the phone, stating that the conversation was about advocating for a job for one of his former staff members. Despite the controversy, Justice Alito ruled in favor of Trump in the Supreme Court’s decision.
Will this affect Trump’s Presidency?
This decision holds immense significance for Trump, as he is set to be sworn in for his second presidential term in just ten days, on January 20. If the sentence impacts his public image or legal standing, it could complicate his path to the presidency. For the first time in U.S. history, an elected president may face sentencing before their inauguration. However, it remains unclear whether the court’s sentence will directly affect the swearing-in ceremony.
What is Biden’s role?
Political analysts suggest that the Biden administration is leaving no opportunity to discredit Trump. Trump has already accused the judiciary of acting on a political agenda. Observers believe that President Biden, in his final days, is making a last-ditch effort to undermine Trump. If the sentencing leads to further controversies, tensions between Trump’s supporters and opponents could escalate.
Trump’s next steps
Following the sentencing, Trump has the option to appeal the decision. He is likely to challenge the ruling in an effort to clear his name before the inauguration. Additionally, Trump may use the situation as a political tool to rally support and portray himself as a victim of a politically motivated attack.
