Trump Faces Pre-Sentencing Interview Ahead of July Court Appearance

Former President Donald Trump is set to be interviewed by New York probation officials on Monday as part of his preparations for sentencing in July following his criminal hush money case.

According to reports, Trump will conduct a virtual interview from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, with one of his lawyers, Todd Blanche.

Former President Donald Trump reacting to the verdict in his criminal trial.REUTERS

Typically, individuals convicted of crimes in New York meet probation officials without their attorneys. Still, Judge Juan Merchan has permitted Blanche to join the meeting, as stated in a letter on Friday.

The pre-sentencing probation interview aims to compile a report that provides the judge with additional information about the defendant and aids in determining an appropriate punishment for the crime.

These presentence reports also delve into the defendant’s personal history and offer an opportunity for them to present reasons why they believe they deserve a lighter sentence.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg with staff members at a news conference after Trump’s hush money trial verdict.Getty Images

Experts have suggested that the 77-year-old could be sentenced to community service, such as picking up trash or working in a food pantry, as part of his sentencing for the felony conviction.

Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election campaign.

A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, Steven Cheung, criticized President Biden’s allies for continuing what he called “ongoing Witch-Hunts,” alleging the misuse of power to interfere in the presidential election.

Former President Donald Trump is attending his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York.AP

Cheung stated that Trump and his legal team are already taking steps to challenge and defeat the Manhattan DA’s case, which he described as “lawless.”

Trump denies any wrongdoing and contends that the criminal case was orchestrated to undermine his chances of reclaiming the White House in 2024.

He is set to be sentenced on July 11 by Judge Merchan, marking a historic event as the first US president to be convicted of a crime.