President-elect Donald Trump once again proves that the establishment’s attempts to take him down only make him stronger. In a circus-like display of judicial overreach, Judge Juan Merchan sentenced Trump to an unconditional discharge on Friday, officially labeling him a felon while conveniently avoiding any actual punishment. It’s a move that’s as spineless as it is ridiculous, happening just days before Trump is set to be sworn in for his second term.
Appearing virtually from Mar-a-Lago, Trump, ever the fighter, shook his head as Merchan went through the motions of the sentencing. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass, dripping with self-righteous disdain, accused Trump of having “disdain for the rule of law.” Of course, this is the same “rule of law” that dragged America through an embarrassingly partisan trial over hush money allegations—a case that wouldn’t hold water against a local dogcatcher, let alone a twice-elected president.
Trump didn’t hold back when addressing the court, calling the experience a “tremendous setback” for New York and pointing out the obvious: the American people knew all about this sham trial and still chose him to lead the country. “I was treated very, very unfairly,” Trump said, a sentiment echoed by his attorney Todd Blanche. Blanche reminded the court that most Americans see this trial for what it is—a politically motivated hit job—and called for the only fitting sentence: unconditional discharge.
Judge Merchan, clearly enjoying his moment in the spotlight, tried to strike a balance between condemning Trump and recognizing the unique circumstances. He made a big show of saying that Trump, despite being elected president twice, is still subject to the law. But when push came to shove, Merchan admitted that the office of the president shielded Trump from the punishment that would typically follow such a conviction. Translation: the left tried to cage Trump, and they failed miserably.
Adding to the absurdity, the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s request to delay sentencing in a narrow 5-4 decision, with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joining the liberal justices. It’s a stark reminder that even some “conservative” judges can’t resist the allure of siding with the swamp when it matters most.
Let’s be clear: this trial was never about justice. It was about trying to stop the unstoppable—a president who has redefined what it means to fight for the American people. The left threw everything they had at Trump, from felony charges to media smears, and he still emerged victorious, defeating Kamala Harris in November’s election. Their dream of seeing Trump behind bars is now nothing more than a pathetic fantasy.
This sentencing is a hollow victory for Trump’s detractors and a glaring reminder of their impotence. Once again, Trump has proven that he’s not just a man but a movement. While Democrats fume and plot their next desperate move, Trump is preparing to take the oath of office and deliver on his promise to make America great again, yet again.
