As the sentencing hearing for Donald Trump is being scheduled by Judge Juan Merchan, Michael Steele highlights the permanence of his criminal conviction, claiming that it is an unshakeable blemish despite the fact that he did not serve any jail time, which will have an impact on his function as president-elect.
Trump's Conviction: A Permanent Stain on His Legacy
Michael Steele, a former chair of the Republican National Committee and a current host on MSNBC, remarked that the president-elect will never be able to rid himself of the stigma of being known as a convicted criminal. This statement was made in response to Judge Juan Merchan's decision to order Donald Trump to appear in court for a sentencing hearing the next week in connection with his multiple convictions for hush money.
According to Steele, the judge's maneuvering left Trump with nowhere to go to clean his name, which is totally acceptable. Steele acknowledged that the president-elect will not be receiving any jail time, as Merchan indicated in his ruling on Friday.
Judge Juan Merchan's Ruling Intensifies Political Scrutiny
According to what he shared with his fellow co-hosts on MSNBC, that is the reason behind his repeated use of the term still convicted, The Raw Story shares.
"When the jury says you are guilty, that is the seminal moment in any criminal case is when the jury of your peers say, 'You did it and you are guilty for it.' When the judge comes back and goes, ''Okay, they found you guilty, you are guilty. I've got a range of things I do to you,' and all the judge is saying, 'Okay, I will acknowledge the fact you are now coming in in a week's time as the new president of the United States --you are still convicted. I may not fine you, I may not give you jail time, but you will not be able to erase what that jury did."
Michael Steele Emphasizes the Power of Conviction
He continued by noting that it is a crucial piece because the judge is saying what he is saying.
"So everyone don't get tripping out about 'Oh, my god. He didn't give him any time, he's not making him pay.' He's still convicted. Two words, baby, that's all it takes," he added.
Business Times has reached out to Donald Trump for comments.
