This is incredible news for Trump.
Judge Juan Merchan has decided to delay the sentencing of former President Donald Trump in the New York v. Trump case until after the upcoming November presidential election. The new sentencing date has been set for November 26, pushing it back from the original date of September 18.
In a recent letter, Judge Merchan emphasized the need for the sentencing to be conducted in a manner that maintains the public’s trust in the judicial system. He stated, “The integrity of our judicial system requires that the sentencing hearing be focused solely on the jury’s verdict and the consideration of all relevant factors, without any external influences or distractions.” Merchan acknowledged the complexities of the current political climate and expressed concern that proceeding with sentencing before the election might lead to perceptions of bias or interference.
This case has garnered significant attention, particularly since Trump was convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. The verdict followed a lengthy six-week trial initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the decision, labeling the case as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated attacks. He told Fox News Digital, “The sentencing should be dismissed as part of this Election Interference Witch Hunt, echoing the Supreme Court’s stance that these Harris-Biden Hoaxes should be discarded.”
Originally, Trump’s sentencing was scheduled for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention, where he was poised to be formally nominated as the 2024 GOP presidential candidate. Judge Merchan had previously moved the date to September 18 in response to requests from Trump’s legal team.
Trump’s lawyers have argued that the delay should extend to after the November election, citing concerns about “naked election-interference objectives.” They have also appealed the verdict, asserting that the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity supports their case. They contend that Trump is immune from prosecution for actions related to his official duties, a point highlighted by Trump attorney Todd Blanche.
Blanche has also raised concerns about Judge Merchan’s impartiality, noting that his daughter works for Authentic Campaigns, which supports Democratic candidates. Additionally, Blanche argues that evidence presented during the trial, including White House communications, should not be used against Trump.
Recently, Trump sought to have the trial removed from state jurisdiction, claiming constitutional violations. However, U.S. District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected this request, stating that the Supreme Court’s ruling did not impact his view that the payments in question were private matters, not related to Trump’s official presidential duties. Hellerstein affirmed that the hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels were private, unofficial acts outside the scope of presidential authority.
