By Staff Writer
In a historic ruling, former President Donald Trump was sentenced on Friday in his hush-money case, finalizing his status as a convicted felon. This marks a pivotal moment in U.S. history, as Trump becomes the first president to hold such a designation. While he received no direct punishment for the 34-count conviction handed down by a New York jury, the sentencing opens new legal and business challenges for the president-elect as he prepares to assume office on January 20.
Liquor Licenses Under Threat
One of the immediate repercussions of Trump’s sentencing involves the liquor licenses at two of his New Jersey golf courses: Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck and Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. According to a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will now proceed to determine whether Trump can retain these licenses. State law mandates revocation if any license holder or primary beneficiary has a felony conviction.
Both golf clubs have been operating with interim licenses that expire in February, pending a final hearing. Despite being registered under Donald Trump Jr.’s name, state officials maintain that Trump directly benefits from the revenues of these licenses. A third New Jersey club in Pine Hill faces a similar review, with its liquor license up for renewal in June.
Appeals on the Horizon
Trump’s legal team is gearing up to appeal the conviction. His first stop will be New York’s Appellate Division, and if unsuccessful, he could escalate the case to the New York State Court of Appeals or even the U.S. Supreme Court. Notably, the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision last year allowed Trump’s sentencing to proceed, with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joining the Democratic appointees in the majority.
Trump’s lawyers have cited a July Supreme Court ruling asserting presidential immunity from criminal prosecution. While this precedent may not apply retroactively to Trump’s actions before assuming office again, it remains a central argument in his defense. The Justice Department could also intervene on Trump’s behalf during the appellate process, potentially influencing the outcome.
Impact on Civil and Criminal Cases
While Trump’s victory in the 2024 election led to the dismissal of two federal criminal cases—involving his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and the mishandling of government documents—several civil lawsuits and state-level charges remain active. Among these is a high-profile case in Georgia over his alleged attempts to overturn the state’s 2020 election results. However, proceedings have been delayed due to disputes over prosecutorial conduct.
In civil court, Trump faces significant financial penalties. A New York judge recently ordered him and his companies to pay nearly half a billion dollars for fraud, while two juries have awarded a total of $90 million to writer E. Jean Carroll for sexual abuse and defamation claims. Appeals in these cases are ongoing.
Legal and Political Implications
Trump’s sentencing adds a new layer of complexity to his political future. While he continues to rally his base and prepare for his upcoming inauguration, the legal battles ahead could pose significant challenges to his presidency. With key allies like Todd Blanche and Emil Bove nominated for top Justice Department roles, Trump appears poised to leverage every available resource in his defense.
For now, the nation watches as Trump’s unprecedented legal and political saga unfolds, setting the stage for an uncharted chapter in American history.