Former President Donald J. Trump is set for a Monday interview with New York probation officials, a mandatory step before his July sentencing in a criminal hush money case.
Trump will participate in the interview via video conference from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Todd Blanche, one of Trump’s attorneys, will be present for the interview.
The interview’s purpose is to compile a report for the judge, providing an in-depth look at the defendant. This report can influence the judge’s decision on the appropriate punishment. Probation officers, social workers, or psychologists typically compile the report after interviewing the defendant, as well as possibly contacting family and acquaintances.
Trump’s potential punishments range from probation to a four-year prison sentence.
Steven Cheung, Trump’s campaign spokesman, stated that Democratic allies of Joe Biden “continue to ramp up their ongoing Witch-Hunts, further abusing and misusing the power of their offices to interfere in the presidential election.”
Judge Merchan has scheduled sentencing for July 11 and will have broad discretion in determining Trump‘s punishment.