Judge's Ruling in Trump Case Reveals the Radical Plan to Undermine His Presidency
"Judge Juan Merchan’s ruling in Trump’s case is not just a legal decision; it is a flashpoint in the broader battle over the future of American democracy."
The Trump presidency hasn’t even started yet and it is already under assault.
New York judge Juan Merchan ruled on Friday that incoming President Donald Trump will be permitted to seek the dismissal of his 'hush money' criminal case following his victory in the presidential election.
Trump had been scheduled for sentencing on November 26, but Manhattan prosecutors requested deferring proceedings until after his upcoming presidential term ends in January 2029.
Trump's legal team argues that continuing the case during his presidency would create "unconstitutional impediments" to governance.
Judge Merchan's role in this high-profile case places him at the center of a constitutional maelstrom. While his decision to allow Trump to seek dismissal appears neutral on the surface, critics contend that his actions could ultimately influence the political landscape.
The U.S. Constitution vests executive power in the president, and any action that obstructs the president's ability to perform their duties could be seen as a violation of the separation of powers.
While a sitting president cannot be indicted for federal crimes, the extent of immunity in state-level cases like Trump's remains a gray area. This ambiguity creates potential for abuse, as state-level prosecutors could theoretically use the legal system to exert undue pressure on the executive branch.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office opposes dismissal of the case but has agreed to allow Trump to present his arguments through written motions.
The judge has set a December 2 deadline for Trump to file his motion and a December 9 deadline for the prosecution's response.
The crux of the matter is that a criminal trial, even if postponed until 2029, casts a long shadow over Trump's presidency, creating uncertainty and undermining his agenda.
A sitting president engaged in legal battles may also appear weakened on the global stage, undermining the United States' negotiating power and credibility.
Judge Juan Merchan’s ruling in Trump’s case is not just a legal decision; it is a flashpoint in the broader battle over the future of American democracy. By allowing the case to proceed, Merchan has opened the door to a legal spectacle that threatens to overshadow Trump’s presidency and erode public trust in the impartiality of the legal system.
The New York “hush money” case now bears striking similarities to the Mueller investigation, which also sought to disrupt Trump's presidency through legal means.
The drawn-out nature of both proceedings kept the controversies alive for years, magnifying their impact. Critics argue that both cases were driven more by political animus than by genuine legal concerns.
The Mueller investigation ultimately concluded with no charges against Trump, but its impact on his presidency was undeniable. The current case could follow a similar trajectory, serving as a political cudgel regardless of the legal outcome.
The December deadlines for motion filings and responses ensure that legal arguments will dominate the headlines during a critical period in Trump's transition to the presidency. Even if the case is eventually dismissed, the legal process itself serves as a distraction.
The “hush money” case’s parallels with the Mueller investigation underscore the dangers of weaponizing the legal system for political purposes. If radicals succeed in using the courts to undermine Trump, the consequences will extend far beyond his presidency, setting a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
My view is that it’s much ado about nothing. The case should never have been brought with the charges being a law school master class on unconstitutional law fare. If I were Trump, I’d authorize my lawyers to fight like hell to have it dismissed - at any level including the Supreme Court. I’d hold my fire on any legal retaliation until the end of my term and not think about it again until 2029.
Gee, it would be horrible if Federal funds for the NY judicial system was reduced by 50%, am I right?