Judge Juan Merchan of the New York Supreme Court, on Tuesday, April 30, granted former President Donald Trump the ability to be present at his youngest son, Barron Trump’s high school graduation. The ceremony is set to take place at Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida on May 17.

This ruling unfolds amidst the continuing hush money trial in Manhattan, New York, where Trump is facing 34 counts of falsifying business records tied to payments to porn star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 presidential election. Trump has refuted these allegations, pleading not guilty. 

Trump expressed in court his concern about potentially missing this pivotal event in his son’s life, stating, “He’s a great student and he’s very proud of the fact he did so well and was looking forward for years to having his graduation with his mother and father there.” Trump referred to the potential restriction as part of a “scam trial.”

Merchan, in spite of recent legal hurdles including a $10,000 fine for Trump’s violation of the court’s gag order by publicly discussing the case, recognized the personal significance of the graduation for Trump. “I don’t think the May 17 date is a problem,” Merchan said, thereby allowing Trump a temporary respite from the trial’s demands.

Barron Trump, 18, previously attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Maryland during his father’s presidency. Barron, who moved to Mar-a-Lago, Florida with his parents after his father’s term, has been recognized for his academic accomplishments and for maintaining a lower public profile compared to his older siblings.

Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, voiced relief at the judge’s decision, emphasizing the emotional impact of potentially missing the graduation. “You’re not even allowing a father – never mind a former president – but a father attend his son’s graduation?” she questioned earlier, reflecting larger concerns about the personal cost of the ongoing legal proceedings.

Stephanie Grisham, former communications director for Melania Trump, shared her perspective with DailyMail.com. Grisham, who resigned following the Capitol attack on January 6, suggested Melania Trump’s discontent with the spotlight on her son’s graduation due to the trial. Grisham criticized Trump’s approach as potentially detracting from his son’s accomplishments.

The judge’s decision not only facilitates Trump’s attendance at the graduation but also signifies a brief halt in a high-profile trial that continues to draw nationwide attention. The trial’s developments and their implications on Trump’s personal and political life continue to be closely examined by legal experts and public figures.