A New York judge has postponed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case until November 26, after the November 5 election. Justice Juan Merchan made the decision to “avoid any appearance — however unwarranted — that the proceeding has been affected by or seeks to affect the approaching Presidential election,” in which Trump is a candidate.
Trump, the Republican nominee for president, was initially scheduled for sentencing on September 18. His lawyers argued that the sentencing should be delayed, citing “naked election-interference objectives.” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the charges, is a Democrat.
Merchan, in his ruling, emphasized that the court is “a fair, impartial and apolitical institution.” He also noted that sentencing would only occur if a pending motion by Trump’s lawyers to overturn the jury’s verdict is denied.
In response, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, stating: “This case should be rightfully terminated, as we prepare for the Most Important Election in the History of our Country.”
Trump was convicted on May 30 of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up his former lawyer’s $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, a porn star, before the 2016 election. Daniels claims she had a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier, a claim he denies.
Prosecutors argued that the case involves Trump’s personal conduct, not official acts, and there was no reason to overturn the verdict. However, they did not oppose Trump’s request to delay sentencing, stating they deferred to the judge’s decision.
A spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said, “The Manhattan D.A.’s Office stands ready for sentencing on the new date set by the court,” He said.
