Trump Claims 'Corrupt' Judge Merchan 'Broke the Law' in Hush-Money Case
Former President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of New York Judge Juan Merchan following the judge’s recent ruling in the criminal case concerning alleged hush-money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. In a statement released on Friday, Trump condemned Merchan’s decision to deny his request for the dismissal of the case, which involves allegations of falsifying business records to conceal a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Merchan's decision came as the judge scheduled Trump’s sentencing for January 10, 2025, a date that falls just days before the presidential inauguration, further intensifying the political stakes of the case. Merchan also indicated that he was inclined to impose an "unconditional discharge" sentence, which would relieve Trump of any obligations or probation conditions while still classifying him as a convicted felon—a rare and controversial outcome.
In response, Trump launched an impassioned tirade against the judge, accusing him of "breaking the law" and labeling him as "deeply conflicted" and "corrupt." Trump’s spokesperson, Steve Cheung, issued a statement on behalf of the former president, who reiterated his claims of political bias against him and rejected the legitimacy of the case. Trump also criticized the charges as part of a broader campaign of "lawfare," asserting that the proceedings were politically motivated.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump described the legal case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, as the result of a “Bragg Hoax,” which he claimed should have been dismissed from the outset. He continued, alleging that through "fraud and misconduct," Judge Merchan had kept the case alive, which Trump called a “rigged charade” designed to undermine his political career. Trump concluded by demanding an end to the so-called "Lawfare," calling for national unity and his slogan: "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN."
The case revolves around allegations that Trump made a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels during the final months of the 2016 election campaign in exchange for her silence regarding an alleged affair between the two. Prosecutors claim the payment was part of a scheme to influence the election, while also accusing Trump of directing his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to arrange the payment and later reimburse him by disguising the transaction as legal fees.
In May 2023, Trump was found guilty by a Manhattan jury on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in connection with the hush-money scheme. Although Trump denied any wrongdoing and maintained that the prosecution was politically motivated, the case continues to be a source of significant controversy. He has repeatedly characterized the charges as part of a "witch hunt" aimed at damaging his political ambitions.
As the January 10 sentencing approaches, Trump’s legal team may seek further appeals or motions to dismiss the charges, but the case is expected to remain a major focus of the political and legal landscape in the coming weeks, especially as Trump campaigns for the 2024 presidential election.
