A New York judge has denied President-elect Donald Trump’s request to delay his sentencing in a hush money case, setting the stage for a potential last-minute appellate battle. Judge Juan Merchan’s decision comes just days before Trump is set to retake the presidency.
In his ruling, Merchan stated that Trump’s arguments largely repeated previous claims and upheld the conviction stemming from a jury’s May verdict, which found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment was intended to conceal an alleged affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election, which Trump denies.
While Judge Merchan indicated he might impose no jail time or punishment, the conviction would still stand, making Trump the first felon to assume the presidency on Inauguration Day, now only two weeks away. Trump’s legal team is actively seeking to block this outcome, arguing that the sentencing should be paused as they appeal Merchan’s rulings, including claims of presidential immunity.
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Prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office countered that Trump’s requests for delays were previously made by him and that a sentencing proceeding would not hinder his responsibilities as president, as he does not assume office until January 20, 2025.
As the situation unfolds, legal experts suggest that the proceedings may be impacted by Trump’s inauguration, potentially preventing any further legal actions from advancing until after he takes office.
