Judge Juan Merchan is set to sentence Donald Trump on September 18, following his conviction on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. Critics, including Andrew McCarthy, suggest that the timing is politically motivated to label Trump as a convicted felon just weeks before the election, particularly as early voting begins in Pennsylvania. Merchan has denied multiple requests for recusal, which some allege is evidence of bias, as his daughter's platform profited from the case. Trump's defense argues that the charges stem from standard practices that have never previously resulted in felony convictions. Despite claims of a politically motivated legal campaign against him, Trump’s team continues to fight the charges, citing a Supreme Court ruling that could support presidential immunity from such prosecutions. The unfolding legal situation raises significant questions about the intersection of law and politics as the 2024 election approaches.