In an unprecedented move, Donald Trump is set to be sentenced this morning in the hush money case just 10 days before he’s sworn in as president for the second time.
The 78-year-old former president will find out his fate after the Supreme Court rejected his request to delay the hearing in Manhattan.
Trump was convicted on 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records to conceal a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
This marks a significant moment in history, as Trump will become the first president ever to enter office as a convicted felon, though it’s expected that his punishment will be relatively light.
Trump’s Expected Absence in Court
While Trump has been present in the New York Supreme Court during the course of the hush money case, including when key figures like Stormy Daniels, Michael Cohen, and former staff members testified, he is not expected to be physically present today.
Instead, Trump is likely to appear remotely from his Palm Beach home as he learns the details of his sentencing.
What Punishment Does Trump Face?
Though Trump faces 34 felony convictions, experts believe he will be handed a conditional discharge when sentenced.
This means that he will not face jail time, fines, or probation.
However, the conviction will stay on his criminal record, solidifying his place in history as the first president-elect to take office while holding the status of a convicted felon.
Supreme Court’s Decision
In a 5-4 decision, the United States Supreme Court rejected Trump’s final effort to delay the sentencing.
The court ruled that sentencing would not impose an insurmountable burden on Trump’s responsibilities as president-elect.
It noted that Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case, had indicated he would not impose jail time or fines, and instead, Trump would likely face a sentence of “unconditional discharge.”
Among those supporting the decision were Chief Justice John Roberts, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett, and Ketanji Brown.
Meanwhile, Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh favored delaying the sentencing.