Donald Trump: Violent reaction to judge’s decision

The former and re-elected US President Donald Trump (78) reacted with strong criticism to the decision of a New York judge who scheduled a court date just ten days before his re-inauguration (January 20). Judge Juan Merchan set the verdict in the hush money trial for January 10, 2025 – Trump could appear either in person or virtually.

The Republican politician expressed his anger over the decision in several posts on his social media platform Truth Social. He described the process as a “witch hunt.” The order was “knowingly unlawful” and violated the constitution. Trump is particularly critical of the timing of the verdict. “If this is allowed to pass, it would be the end of the presidency as we know it,” wrote the 78-year-old.

A jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts in May 2024. It was about the falsification of business documents in connection with a hush money payment of $130,000 to the porn actress Stormy Daniels (45). This was intended to keep an alleged affair between her and Trump secret before the 2016 presidential election.

Trump is not facing a prison sentence – the judge has already indicated that he is considering an “unconditional release” without a fine or probation. Nevertheless, Trump’s lawyers argue that the case must be dismissed so that he can carry out his possible government work from January 20, 2025.

Last week, the public prosecutor’s office had already requested that a prison sentence be waived – apparently to prevent the case from being dropped completely. Trump’s defenders also cite a Supreme Court ruling from July 2024, according to which US presidents enjoy immunity for official acts.

However, Judge Merchan had already determined in December 2024 that the evidence presented in the trial related “exclusively to unofficial actions” and therefore did not fall under presidential immunity. He described his latest decision as the “most practical solution” that would ensure legal certainty and give Trump the opportunity to appeal.