Donald Trump Tells Who To Blame If Jailed
Former President Donald Trump is expected to amplify his criticisms of Judge Juan Merchan, particularly if he faces imprisonment following his recent conviction on 34 felony counts in New York, according to sources close to the situation.
Determined to avoid jail time, Trump is likely to direct his supporters’ frustration towards Judge Merchan, portraying him as a key adversary in his legal challenges. While the specifics of this strategy remain unclear, Trump has largely avoided addressing the issue in public and during private discussions with advisers at Trump Tower following the verdict, The Guardian reports.
Insiders believe Trump will intensify his rhetoric against Merchan, using his rallies and Truth Social platform to mobilize his base against the judge. The potential consequences of such actions are uncertain. Trump has previously accused Merchan of bias and collaborating with the Biden administration to undermine his political ambitions, though no significant incidents have occurred so far.
History shows that Trump’s fervent supporters may resort to threats against judges he has criticized. For instance, federal judge Tanya Chutkan, who is handling Trump’s 2020 election interference case, has received death threats. Trump understands that Merchan holds significant power over his sentencing, with the authority to impose penalties ranging from fines and probation to a custodial sentence.
This judicial discretion makes Merchan a clear target for Trump’s frustrations and a focal point for his supporters’ anger, especially if a prison sentence is issued close to the Republican National Convention, which could be delayed pending appeal.
Throughout the trial, Trump has repeatedly condemned Merchan’s rulings, accusing him of unfairness and bias. He has depicted Merchan as part of a scheme to hinder his campaign. After the trial, Trump escalated his attacks during a press conference at Trump Tower, likening Merchan to a devil in disguise.
Should Merchan sentence Trump to prison, sources anticipate a strong reaction from the former president. While Trump has avoided explicit threats, he has hinted at potential public unrest. In a recent Fox News interview, Trump suggested the public would not accept his imprisonment, saying, “I’m not sure the public would stand for it. I think it would be tough for the public to take. At some point, there’s a breaking point,” though his campaign clarified he was referring to the election.
Trump’s approach seems to put Merchan in a difficult position. A lenient sentence could provoke backlash for underestimating the severity of Trump’s crimes, which involved an illegal hush-money scheme to influence the 2016 election. Conversely, a harsh sentence would make Merchan a target of Trump’s condemnation, potentially inciting unrest among his supporters, who have previously engaged in political violence in response to Trump’s grievances.
At sentencing, Merchan will also have to consider Trump’s lack of remorse and repeated violations of the gag order. These elements will be detailed in Trump’s pre-sentencing report, compiled by a probation officer after a thorough investigation. This report, typically an opportunity for the defendant to show contrition, may not benefit Trump given his continued defiance and attacks on the verdict.
As Trump awaits sentencing, his tactics and rhetoric continue to highlight the contentious relationship with Judge Merchan. Through direct confrontation or implied threats, Trump’s focus on Merchan reflects a broader strategy of deflection and mobilization, using his significant following to contest any unfavorable legal outcomes.