(ProsperNews.net) – Judge Juan Merchan has postponed the sentencing of former President Donald Trump in the New York v. Trump case to November 26, following a request for delay by Trump’s legal team. Originally set for September 18, the decision comes as Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, stemming from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation. Merchan explained that delaying the sentencing would prevent any appearance of political interference, given Trump’s candidacy in the upcoming presidential election.
Trump’s attorneys had previously asked for the delay, citing concerns about election interference and referencing the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings on presidential immunity. The Supreme Court has ruled that a former president has significant immunity for official acts but left questions regarding unofficial acts, such as Trump’s payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, to be decided by lower courts. Trump’s legal team has argued that his payments were private and unrelated to his duties as president.
Meanwhile, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, dismissed the entire case as an “election interference witch hunt.” Trump has appealed the verdict, maintaining his innocence and claiming that his actions did not constitute crimes under the protections provided for presidents. His attorneys have also pointed to potential bias, highlighting that Judge Merchan’s daughter works for a company that represents prominent Democratic candidates.
In addition to delaying sentencing, Merchan is set to rule on Trump’s motion to vacate the charges on November 12, just weeks before the rescheduled sentencing. Trump’s team contends that his case should be dismissed based on Supreme Court precedents regarding presidential immunity, but federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein recently rejected a separate attempt by Trump to move the trial to federal court.
The Manhattan DA’s office, however, stands firm, with a spokesperson stating that the jury’s unanimous verdict on the 34 felony counts will hold. They have expressed readiness for sentencing on the new date.
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