In a fiery response to his sentencing in New York, President Donald Trump vowed to appeal the case he denounced as a “political witch hunt” orchestrated by a corrupt system determined to undermine him. Speaking shortly after Judge Juan Merchan’s decision, Trump reiterated his innocence and condemned what he called a “despicable charade” aimed at damaging his reputation and interfering in American democracy.
The sentencing marks an unprecedented moment in American history, as Trump becomes the first president sentenced for a criminal conviction while set to assume office again on January 20. Despite Judge Merchan declining to impose punishment, the proceedings have been widely criticized by Trump and his supporters as emblematic of a weaponized justice system.
“Today’s event was a despicable charade,” Trump declared in a post on Truth Social. “Now that it is over, we will appeal this Hoax, which has no merit, and restore the trust of Americans in our once-great System of Justice.”
During the court hearing, Trump didn’t hold back, calling the trial a “political witch hunt” designed to tarnish his legacy and hinder his return to the White House. “It’s been a political witch hunt,” he told the court, asserting his innocence and boldly stating, “There is no crime here.”
Judge Merchan, whose impartiality has been questioned throughout the proceedings, wished Trump “Godspeed in your second term in office,” a statement some see as a mocking gesture rather than genuine sentiment.
Trump’s supporters have pointed to Merchan’s history of rulings and alleged biases as evidence of a rigged process, with Trump himself labeling the judge a “crooked leftist” acting on behalf of the Democratic Party’s broader agenda.
Adding to the controversy, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Trump’s emergency request to delay the sentencing in a narrow 5-4 decision. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett sided with the liberal wing of the court, a move that has angered conservatives and fueled accusations of betrayal.
“The Radical Democrats have lost another pathetic, unAmerican Witch Hunt,” Trump said of the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene. “This case had no crime, no damages, no proof, no facts, no law—only a highly conflicted judge and criminal election interference.”
Trump’s legal troubles stem from accusations by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who claimed Trump falsified business records to conceal payments to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen. Trump has consistently denied these allegations, calling them “baseless” and accusing Bragg of participating in a coordinated effort with the Biden administration to derail his political career.
“This is not justice; this is lawfare,” Trump stated, highlighting what he views as the systemic corruption infecting America’s legal and political institutions.
The former president slammed the resources spent on prosecuting him, pointing out the rampant crime devastating New York while Democratic officials focus on targeting him. “Millions of dollars and six years of obsessive work should have been spent protecting New Yorkers from violent, rampant crime,” Trump said.
Despite the legal hurdles, Trump has framed the ordeal as a rallying point for his supporters, who he describes as “the real jury.” He pointed to his reelection with what he calls an overwhelming mandate as proof that the American people reject the “hoax” charges against him.
“The American People have spoken,” Trump declared. “They elected me with an overwhelming mandate in one of the most consequential elections in history.”
Trump’s legal team has vowed to appeal the case, emphasizing that the lack of imposed punishment reflects the weakness of the prosecution’s claims. Legal experts sympathetic to Trump argue that the case should have been dismissed outright, as it lacked substantial evidence or legal merit.
Ken Klukowski, a conservative legal analyst, called the trial a “travesty” and accused the judiciary of blatant bias. “This case was never about justice; it was about taking down President Trump,” he said.
Trump’s vow to appeal isn’t just about clearing his name—it’s about exposing what he and his allies see as a deeply corrupt system that weaponizes the law for political gain. “Today’s event was a charade,” Trump reiterated. “We will restore the trust of Americans in our once-great System of Justice.”
As Trump prepares to take office once again, his ability to navigate these legal challenges will test not only his resilience but also the strength of his movement. For his supporters, the sentencing is yet another chapter in a long-standing battle against a corrupt establishment intent on silencing their voices.
Trump concluded his statement with a familiar rallying cry, signaling his determination to continue fighting for his vision of America: “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
