New York, United States – Former President Donald Trump faces the possibility of a prison sentence following his conviction on 34 felony counts in New York. Sources close to Trump suggest that he may shift blame onto Judge Juan Merchan if sentenced to jail in the upcoming trial. The exact strategy of how Trump will target Merchan remains uncertain, as the former president has been evasive on the matter since his meeting with advisors post-verdict.
Trump is expected to intensify his criticisms of Judge Merchan, mobilizing his supporters to express discontent towards the judge at rallies and on social media. Despite Trump’s ongoing attacks against Merchan, the actual impact of his rhetoric on the judge’s future decisions remains unclear, given that previous attempts to influence judicial decisions did not yield substantial results.
The former president’s followers have a history of making threats against judges who Trump has verbally targeted in the past – a pattern that raises concerns about potential violence in response to Merchan’s rulings. Trump is well aware that Judge Merchan holds significant power in determining his fate, with the judge having the authority to choose between fines, probation, or jail time regardless of prosecutor recommendations.
Trump’s sustained campaign against Judge Merchan underscores his efforts to shape the narrative in his favor. If Merchan decides on a lenient sentence, Trump may face backlash for seemingly trivializing the severity of his crimes. Conversely, if Judge Merchan delivers a jail sentence, Trump is likely to portray him as the catalyst for any unrest among his supporters, known for engaging in political violence to defend the former president’s interests.
The sentencing phase will be critical, as Merchan must consider not only Trump’s criminal conviction but also his lack of remorse and repeated violations of court orders. The pre-sentencing report, compiled by a probation officer, will play a crucial role in informing the judge’s decision and may influence the final sentence. Trump’s failure to express contrition post-conviction could further exacerbate his legal predicament and shape the judge’s perception of him before sentencing.