Liberal Commentator Unloads On Judge For Decision To Sentence Trump: ‘What Is The Purpose Of This?!’

Outspoken commentator Stephen A. Smith tore into New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan over the upcoming sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump in his criminal hush money case. Smith, known for his bold takes in the sports world, didn’t hold back as he questioned the legitimacy and timing of the decision, suggesting it fuels perceptions of political bias.

On Wednesday a New York appeals court judge denied Trump’s request to delay the sentencing, rejecting claims that presidential immunity should shield the president-elect from facing justice before his swearing-in. Judge Ellen Gesmer ruled that Trump’s status does not exempt him from the legal process, a decision that Trump’s legal team may still challenge.

“You might be surprised with what I have to say about this,” Smith began in his trademark emphatic tone. “This is the kind of stuff that just validates assertions about stuff being politicized. Maybe not specifically with Trump, but the suspicion definitely is there. What is the purpose of this? Is he going to jail?!” Smith’s indignation only grew as he addressed what he views as performative legal theatrics. “He’s going to get fined. We’ve got to sit up there and go through all the pomp and circumstance when you know you’re not going to do anything,” he said. “He was certified today as the next President of the United States of America. Come January 21st, he will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States of America.”

The former president’s legal woes stem from allegations that he engaged in a hush money scheme to silence claims of an affair with a former adult film star. The case, which involves 34 felony counts, has been a flashpoint in Trump’s tumultuous legal saga. However, Smith wasn’t impressed with the weight of the charges. “You want to have, you want to, you, you want to sentence him. You’re Juan Merchan. Who is he? The state Supreme Court justice in New York. You want to sentence him next Friday. And by the way, what is the sentencing about? Because see, we got to be real about it. We just got to be real about it,” he said.

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“It sounds, sounds very, very damaging. It’s a hush money case. Essentially, the case against Donald Trump is that he is alleged to have engaged in relations with a former porn star and he made efforts involving finances to keep her mouth shut. That’s what all of this is about.” Smith’s breakdown of the case resonated with his audience, many of whom echoed his sentiments about the blurred line between legal accountability and political posturing.

“You know what some people said to me when they were talking about this? They said, could you please tell me what’s the difference between this and somebody signing an NDA? They said, could you please tell me what’s the difference between this and somebody signing an NDA? I don’t know the answer to these questions. I’m just telling you what people’s thought process is,” Smith said.