Trump’s Sentencing Postponed Until After Election

Former President Donald Trump’s sentencing in his Manhattan criminal case has been delayed until after the November election, following a decision by Judge Juan Merchan on Friday. Initially scheduled for September 18, the sentencing will now take place on November 26. Additionally, a decision on whether to dismiss the verdict, due to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding Trump’s partial immunity from criminal prosecution, has been pushed back to November 12. This delay allows time for Trump’s legal team to appeal, with Judge Merchan emphasizing that the move was to ensure the judicial process remains impartial during the politically sensitive time leading up to the election.

Trump’s legal team requested the postponement of his sentencing, arguing that proceeding in September could align with what they labeled as prosecutors’ “election-interference objectives.” They claimed that the original timeline would not allow sufficient time to address the legal complexities related to the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling. This ruling is expected to clarify whether Trump can be criminally prosecuted for certain actions taken during his presidency. Prosecutors, while dismissing Trump’s claims of election interference, did not oppose the request for a delay, recognizing the need to allow time for the appeal.

Judge Merchan justified the postponement, stating that it was intended to avoid any perception of political bias in the sentencing process. In his ruling, he wrote that delaying the decision would help prevent any accusations that the court’s actions were politically motivated. He acknowledged the proximity of the sentencing date to the election, stating that holding the sentencing within 41 days of the election could lead to concerns about the influence of the trial on the election outcome. Merchan stressed that the jury’s diligent service must be respected, and their verdict should be addressed in a way that is not overshadowed by the upcoming election.

While the Manhattan District Attorney’s office has not yet commented on the delay, Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, reiterated the former president’s view that the case is part of an “Election Interference Witch Hunt.” Cheung also argued that no sentencing should take place in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, calling for the case, as well as other legal actions against Trump, to be dismissed. Trump has consistently maintained that these legal proceedings are politically motivated efforts to hinder his presidential campaign.

Judge Merchan’s decision was not made lightly, as he acknowledged in his ruling. He expressed that while the decision was difficult, it was the most appropriate course of action to serve the interests of justice. By delaying the sentencing, Merchan aims to ensure that the legal process is fair and free from the influence of the political calendar.

In addition to requesting a delay in sentencing, Trump sought to move his criminal case from state to federal court. His legal team argued that the charges against him could fall within the scope of his official duties as president, which would give federal courts jurisdiction. However, U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein denied this request for the second time. Hellerstein ruled that the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity did not apply to Trump’s case, as the charges were related to personal actions, specifically the hush money payments, rather than official presidential duties. Hellerstein emphasized that the payments were “private, unofficial acts” and that it would be improper to re-evaluate the trial based on these arguments. Trump has appealed Hellerstein’s ruling, but no decision has been made on that appeal.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts in connection with a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The payment, which was facilitated by Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen, was intended to cover up allegations of an affair, which Trump denies. After the payment, Trump reimbursed Cohen through a series of transactions throughout 2017, which prosecutors argued were falsely labeled as legal expenses. Though Trump contested these allegations, a jury found him guilty on all counts, marking the first time a former president had been convicted of a crime.

Trump’s legal team is working to overturn the verdict, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. They argue that evidence presented during the trial, such as testimony from Trump’s former aides and statements he made while in office, should have been excluded under the Supreme Court’s decision. The ruling prohibits evidence related to official acts from being used in criminal prosecutions of former presidents. Trump’s legal defense contends that some of the evidence presented at trial stemmed from his time in the White House, which they believe undermines the validity of the verdict. However, legal experts are skeptical that Trump’s conviction will be overturned, noting that many of the allegations against him predate his presidency. Nevertheless, the final outcome remains uncertain as Trump continues to appeal the case.

The delay in Trump’s sentencing comes as he faces other criminal cases, all of which have been postponed beyond the 2024 election. His federal case regarding efforts to overturn the 2020 election was temporarily put on hold while the Supreme Court considered the immunity ruling, delaying the possibility of a trial before November. Trump’s other federal case, involving the mishandling of White House documents, was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee. Special Counsel Jack Smith is appealing that dismissal. Additionally, Trump’s criminal case in Georgia, related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, has been delayed until next year as legal disputes regarding the disqualification of the district attorney are resolved.