Mary Trump, the estranged niece of President-elect Donald Trump, emphasized Judge Juan Merchan's subtle "dig" at her uncle during his sentencing in the New York hush money case on Friday.
Why It Matters
Mary Trump, a psychologist and media personality, has been a vocal critic of her uncle, frequently warning about the risks she believes he poses to the government and the country. Through her podcast, books, Substack, and media appearances, she has built her personal brand around opposition to Donald Trump and his political movement.
Her latest remarks follow Trump's sentencing on Friday, marking him as the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime and sentenced. Judge Merchan issued an unconditional discharge less than two weeks before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Key Details
After a trial last year, a New York jury in May found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election. Daniels alleged a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which he has denied. Trump has consistently claimed the case is politically motivated.
The unconditional discharge means Trump will not face prison time, fines, or community service. However, the felonies on his criminal record will have implications moving forward.
In a Substack post titled “So, That’s That,” Mary Trump described Merchan's tone during the sentencing as "matter-of-fact." She noted that Merchan outlined the legal protections afforded to Trump, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last summer on presidential immunity. In July, the Court ruled 6-3 that former presidents are immune for official acts performed in office but not for unofficial acts, a decision tied to the federal election interference case against Trump.
“In his only obvious dig—and I hope it stung—Merchan concluded that, ‘It is the legal protections afforded to the Office of the President of the United States that are extraordinary, not the occupant,’” Mary Trump wrote.
Trump appeared via video from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, for the sentencing. Addressing the court, he declared: “I’m totally innocent. I did nothing wrong.” He described himself as the victim of a “political witch hunt,” adding, “This has been a very terrible experience. I think it has been a tremendous setback for New York and the New York court system.”
Trump won the November election against his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Reactions
Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass stated during the hearing that Trump’s actions and the "enduring damage" to the justice system’s reputation would typically warrant a heavy sentence. However, he acknowledged the need to "be respectful of the office of the presidency."
“The American public has the right to a presidency unencumbered by pending legal matters... imposing this sentence ensures that,” Steinglass said.
Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, countered, saying, “I very, very much disagree with much of what the government just said about this case, about the legitimacy of what happened in this courtroom during this trial, and about President Trump’s conduct fighting this case.”
What Happens Next
Trump has vowed to appeal, and he and his legal team have 30 days to file a "notice of appeal." The full appeals process could take years.
As Trump prepares to assume office, he can only be pardoned by Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul. While Hochul has not indicated whether she would consider a pardon, she stated in December 2024 that the process requires several elements, including "remorse."
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