What to know about Trump probation interview

Former President Trump will participate in a probation interview Monday, a critical step ahead of his sentencing July 11.

A 12-person New York jury found Trump guilty last month on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a scheme to shield the American public from potentially damaging information ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump maintains his innocence and has pledged to appeal the verdict.

Moments after the verdict was announced in the courtroom, Judge Juan Merchan confirmed that Trump would sit for a probation interview.

“We will order a probation report,” Merchan said. “Mr. Blanche, the clerk of the court will give you instructions on how to go about scheduling that interview and getting that probation report.”

Interview to take place via Zoom

The interview Monday is scheduled to take place via a computer video conference from Trump’s home at Mar-a-Lago, according to multiple sources who spoke to The Hill and The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the plans.

Probation interviews are often conducted by a probation officer, a social worker or a department psychologist, who will then prepare a report for the judge to use to help determine the appropriate sentence for the defendant.

The report sometimes includes details from interviews with the defendant’s family and friends and from victims of the crime. In the interview, the defendant can say why they think they deserve a lighter sentence.

As part of the report, the New York probation officer will gather Trump’s prior criminal history — which is none — employment history and economic status. If available, state law also requires the report to include findings about a defendant’s “physical and mental condition.”

Trump’s attorney will be present

Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, will be present at the interview Monday, after Merchan said in a letter last Friday that he would allow Blanche to be present. Most people meet with the probation judge without legal representation, but Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) did not oppose the request for Blanche’s presence.

Legal experts have offered opposing views on what they expect to happen in next month’s sentencing.

Some point out that most first-time offenders convicted on Trump’s charges do not face jail time, and his legal team has signaled it will urge the judge not to incarcerate the former president. On the other hand, however, some experts have noted that Trump’s lack of remorse and the 10 violations of the gag order he accrued throughout the process could work against him.

Trump campaign spokesperson responds

When reached for comment about the probation interview, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung called the case a “witch hunt.”

“President Trump and his legal team are already taking necessary steps to challenge and defeat the lawless Manhattan DA case. The American People will not fall for the Biden-directed Hoaxes and will hold Crooked Joe and his comrades to account this fall,” Cheung said in a statement.