After Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in Manhattan on Thursday, his estranged niece has said he should “absolutely” go to jail.
The former president and presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 election campaign. Trump, who pleaded not guilty, and his allies have repeatedly called the case a form of election interference and, following the jury’s verdict, condemned prosecutors and Judge Juan Merchan.
Now Mary Trump—daughter of Fred Trump Jr.—has weighed in on the situation. She is a frequent critic of the former president and has publicly criticized him over everything from his potential second term to his family history.
If I’m Judge Merchan, I’d cite Trump’s naked attempts to intimidate the jury, witnesses, and the judge (as well as multiple violations of his gag order) as an excuse to throw the book at him.
I’d point out that all Trump had to do to get a slap on the wrist was keep his mouth shut, because it’s my understanding that most people convicted of falsifying business documents don’t get jail time; they usually just get fined, get some community service, maybe probation if it’s bad. Most first-time defendants characterize this crime as an innocent mistake and behave accordingly, but Trump and his ego had to run his mouth.
Hopefully the judges comments on not wanting to send him to jail for contempt was only about contempt…
He should also use his actions after the jury conviction against him as well. I would love him to land on the harsher side of sentencing.