Donald Trump completes ‘highly unusual’ pre-sentencing interview with New York probation office
Donald Trump completed his pre-sentencing interview with a New York City probation officer from his home in Florida on Monday.
Along with attorney Todd Blanche, Trump sat down Monday afternoon for the pre-sentencing interview, scheduled for July 11 at 10 a.m., after he was found guilty of 34 charges in his hush-money trial in Manhattan last month.
“The president and his team will continue to fight the lawless Manhattan DA Witch Hunt,” a source familiar with the proceedings claimed.
Pre-sentencing meetings are usually the time when the defense tries to mitigate the potential punishment. In addition, the legal team can submit letters of support from friends and family of the 2024 Republican presidential candidate to the judge.
Trump’s legal team will make sentencing recommendations on Thursday, a source familiar with the plan revealed.
Former President Donald Trump wrapped up his pre-sentencing interview virtually with probation officers in New York City on Monday afternoon. Pictured: Trump arriving to speak at a campaign rally in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2024
The virtual interview was “unusual” because criminals are typically required to attend the proceedings in person and critics say it reflects the “special treatment” the former president receives in his felony conviction.
Judge Juan Merchan could sentence the former president to a range of sentences, ranging from probation to up to 20 years in New York state prison.
A New York City official familiar with the interview with probation officers told CNN that Trump answered all questions asked and was described as “polite, respectful and accommodating.”
Another source familiar with the proceedings explained: “Earlier today, President Trump completed a routine interview with (the) New York Probation Office. The interview went smoothly and lasted less than thirty minutes.’
During pre-sentencing interviews, suspects are typically asked about their conviction and basic background information.
Although suspects are not required to cooperate in routine pre-sentencing investigations, a judge may view this negatively toward sentencing.
Trump’s ability to hold his pre-sentencing meeting via Zoom angered some critics who say the Republican Party’s presumptive presidential nominee is getting special treatment. Some specifically pointed out that due to the virtual nature of the interview, Trump was not subjected to drug testing, which is typical of a pre-conviction interview.
“There is no explanation whatsoever for why this convicted felon is allowed to conduct what would normally be mandatory in-person meetings via Zoom, but we can already see the value of this special treatment for Trump, because it is *essential* that he conceals illegal practices . drug use among voters,” author Seth Abramson said in a post on X.
He continued, “There is no excuse for Trump not being in New York. He has a house there. He has a private jet. He’s probably a billionaire. His private lawyer flies with him everywhere in the world.’
“But if this were you or me, we’d *have* to go to New York while *he* is asked to do *nothing*,” Abramson concluded.
Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche (right) joined the former president on Monday for the virtual pre-sentencing interview. Trump’s legal team will make sentencing recommendations on Thursday
Other users also took issue with the virtual interview.
One user wrote on
“Unfortunately he’s still getting special treatment,” another user wrote. ‘There was no drug test and there was a Zoom meeting with his lawyer to hold his vulnerable hand. The American justice system is looking increasingly weak.”
However, Martin Horn, former commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Probation in New York City, told NBC News that a virtual interview was likely “better for the probation officer” because an in-person meeting with Trump “could be very disruptive to the probation office and could be unfair. to other defendants who may not wish to be identified.”
Following the interview on Monday, the probation officer will now report to Judge Merchan ahead of sentencing, which is set just four days before the start of the Republican National Convention.
This year’s convention will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Trump is expected to be nominated for the third time as the Republican candidate for president.