By Ollus Ndomu
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for Donald Trump’s sentencing in Manhattan, rejecting his eleventh-hour bid to halt the proceedings. The sentencing, scheduled for 9:30 AM ET, comes just 10 days before Trump’s return to the White House following his successful campaign to reclaim the presidency. Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, has indicated he does not intend to impose jail time or fines but will issue a judgment of guilt that will permanently mark Trump’s record.
Trump, 78, pleaded not guilty and is expected to attend the hearing virtually. His legal team fiercely opposed the sentencing, highlighting the unusual optics of a sitting president-elect being convicted by a state court. Legal experts note that while the judgment may not lead to incarceration, it formalizes Trump’s status as a convicted felon—a designation he fought to avoid.
The six-week trial last year unfolded amid Trump’s bid to retake the Oval Office, adding a historic layer of complexity to the case. It is the first time a former or sitting U.S. president has faced criminal charges. The trial and sentencing have underscored Trump’s legal vulnerabilities, even as his political star continues to rise.
Legal analysts, including Cheryl Bader of Fordham University, emphasized the symbolic weight of Thursday’s hearing. “He doesn’t want to be sentenced because that is the official judgment of him being a convicted felon,” Bader explained, noting that the decision will likely have lasting implications for Trump’s legacy and the precedent it sets for presidential accountability.
As the nation watches, Trump’s sentencing marks a pivotal moment in American legal and political history. The intersection of his legal challenges and political resurgence underscores the unprecedented nature of his presidency and post-presidency, setting the stage for a highly scrutinized return to the White House.
