Cyrus Vance Jr., former Manhattan District Attorney, expressed his skepticism that former President Donald Trump will be sentenced to jail time despite multiple contempt findings.
Politico reported that Vance appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” to discuss this high-profile case. He indicated that Trump, found in contempt of court 10 times, might avoid imprisonment.
“The president has made this a little more complicated by having been found in contempt 10 times during the court,” Vance said. He added, “But I think that with the proximity of the Republican Convention four days after his sentencing, and then, if he is the candidate for the Republican Party, the proximity of the election, I would be surprised that he would be sentenced to any imprisonment.”
Vance emphasized the crucial timing of Trump’s sentencing and its adjacency to two key political events.
Apart from the Republican Convention scheduled just four days after the sentencing, there is the general election on the horizon if Trump becomes the Republican candidate.
Vance noted the court might decide to delay sentencing until after the general election. “That said, the court could adjourn sentencing until after the general election and decide then,” he said.
During the interview, Vance also clarified that the decision regarding urging jail time is entirely up to Alvin Bragg, the current Manhattan District Attorney. When asked about his stance, Vance remarked, “That’s for Mr. Bragg to decide.”
Another key topic was the involvement of Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over the case. Vance defended Judge Merchan's integrity despite his past political donations totaling $50 to the Biden campaign and other Democratic issues.
“I know Judge Merchan. Obviously, before Judge Merchan, he was our grand jury judge when he prosecuted the Trump organization, and I think he is honest as the day is long,” Vance commented.
Vance further elaborated on Merchan’s conduct during the trial. “He was careful. He was caring, and I think he handled a very difficult trial with a neutral hand and gave the president every benefit of the doubt that he was entitled to under the law,” Vance added.
Reflecting on the broader political implications, Vance noted that Trump is not being targeted for his political beliefs. However, he acknowledged that politics have played a role in related cases, citing an example involving Michael Cohen.
“Do you remember when Michael Cohen was indicted by U.S. Attorney [Preet] Bharara in 2015?” Vance asked during the interview. He explained how Trump initially retained Bharara, who continued the investigation into Cohen.
Subsequently, Vance mentioned Trump’s decision to replace Bharara with Republican U.S. Attorney Geoff Berman, who also continued the investigation. Vance pointed out, “So President Trump fired Bharara and he brought in a Republican U.S. Attorney, Geoff Berman, excellent man, great lawyer.
Geoff Berman continued the investigation into the president, so the president fired him, too.”
In summary, former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. shared his views on the complex legal and political landscape surrounding former President Donald Trump's case.
Highlighting multiple contempt findings, Vance speculated that Trump might avoid jail time, given the proximity to significant political events.
He also defended the impartiality of Justice Juan Merchan and outlined the historical and political dynamics involving Michael Cohen's case. The ultimate decision regarding Trump's sentencing remains with current Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, who must navigate the interplay of legal and political factors.
