A New York appeals court judge has rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s latest attempt to delay sentencing in his hush money case, which stems from actions taken during the 2016 presidential election. This ruling sets the stage for a legal showdown as Trump approaches his return to the White House.
In 2023, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in an effort to cover up a payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment was allegedly made to silence Daniels about an affair she claimed to have had with Trump, a claim the president-elect has steadfastly denied. Despite the conviction, Trump’s legal team continues to argue that the charges were politically motivated and that the case is an example of overreach by the justice system.
Earlier this week, Trump’s attorneys requested that sentencing be delayed indefinitely, citing his upcoming presidential duties and the ongoing appeals. However, Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, rejected the request on Monday, insisting that the case must proceed to its conclusion. Trump’s legal team then sought to appeal directly to New York’s Appellate Division, asking the court to postpone sentencing further. But on Tuesday, Judge Ellen Gesmer swiftly denied the appeal, preventing any further delay.
Trump’s sentencing is now set for this Friday. If it proceeds, it could make Trump the first sitting president in U.S. history to face criminal sentencing. However, some legal experts suggest that a sitting president may be immune from criminal prosecution, which could delay the case until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. Nonetheless, Judge Merchan has indicated he would likely impose a minimal penalty, possibly allowing Trump to attend the hearing remotely due to the logistical challenges of his presidential transition.
Trump’s lawyers continue to argue that the conviction is flawed and that it should be overturned. They are considering taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge the legal basis of the ruling. They contend that the New York courts do not have the authority to proceed with sentencing while Trump is still appealing the case.
Despite the legal turmoil, Trump remains focused on his 2024 campaign. While the case has stirred political controversy, his supporters continue to view the charges as politically motivated attacks aimed at preventing him from returning to the Oval Office. The case underscores the ongoing tension between the legal system and the political landscape, with the potential to impact the broader conversation about presidential immunity and the limits of executive power.