Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett criticized New York Judge Juan Merchan for “desperately” trying to brand President-elect Trump as a “convicted felon” before his inauguration. Jarrett believes that Merchan’s actions are part of a larger effort to use the law to harm Trump’s reputation and undo the results of the election.
Jarrett pointed out that Trump has not been formally sentenced and that many in the media incorrectly referred to him as a “convicted felon” after the jury verdict, which was intended to taint his reputation and undermine his presidency. He claimed that Democrats thought their “politically driven lawfare campaign” would destroy Trump, but instead, it backfired and drove more voters to support him.
Jarrett also criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who he believes has used his office to target political opponents and go after “good Samaritans” and “bodega workers” who defend themselves from attacks. He noted that Bragg’s office has a “phantom felony” and that the jury’s verdict was not unanimous.
Trump’s team had requested to have the verdict vacated, citing the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity, but the request was denied. Sentencing is set for January 10, and Trump has the option to appear in person or virtually. Judge Merchan has stated that he will not sentence Trump to prison time.
Trump’s attorneys argued that the case was brought for political reasons and would not have been pursued if not for Trump’s political views and the national movement he has led. They also pointed out that the Office of Legal Counsel in the Justice Department concluded that a sitting president cannot be indicted, even if the case is put on hold.