A New York state court has announced it will convict newly elected US President Donald Trump for his guilt in the bribery scandal on January 10, before his inauguration.
Mr. Trump was convicted last May of falsifying business records to conceal bribes paid to an adult film actress. He thus became the first person to have served as President of the United States to be convicted of a crime.
The court had postponed sentencing because of the possible impact on Mr. Trump’s election campaign. He also considered the defense lawyers’ request to overturn the verdict. However, the date of the sentence was announced in a written decision on Friday.
The Court said it recognized the importance of balancing what it called “seemingly competing” factors, namely “ensuring that the executive branch is free to discharge fully the functions of the President and safeguard the interests of the nation”, and ensure that “the decision of the Supreme Court and the expectations of citizens are respected, namely that all are equal and no one is above the law”.
In an unusual move, the Court announced before the sentence its “intention not to impose a sentence of incarceration”.
The court also indicated that it would allow Mr. Trump to appear in person or virtually during the sentencing.
US media reports say Mr Trump’s defense lawyers could try to prevent the conviction and that it could be postponed until he has completed his new term.
After the court’s decision, Mr. Trump reacted sharply. He said in a social media post: “This illegitimate political attack is nothing more than a trumped-up charade.” He accused the judge of issuing an order that was “knowingly illegal” and “unconstitutional.” Mr. Trump also said, “It’s time to end the legal war once and for all.”
