A New York judge has rejected former President Trump's latest attempt to delay his January 10th sentencing in the hush money case, solidifying the date. Judge Juan Merchan deemed the arguments repetitive, citing the former president's responsibility for prior procedural delays. Prosecutors countered that Trump should not benefit from the delays he himself orchestrated.
The judge's ruling, issued Monday, comes after Trump filed a separate appeal to the state appeals court. His defense argued that the sentencing should be held off until a decision on presidential immunity is rendered, maintaining that Trump's presidential "immunity" extends into the transition period.
However, Manhattan prosecutors pointed out the actions at the heart of the case - hush money payments and falsified business records – were unrelated to official presidential duties, invalidating Trump's immunity claim.
Despite the rejection of the delay request, Trump's legal team continues their efforts. They assert that forcing a president-elect to face sentencing during the transition period violates Supreme Court precedent. Their filing argues that this would compel a president to stand trial before immunity claims are fully adjudicated.
The sentencing, set for Friday, January 10th, underscores the legal ramifications for the former president. A jury found Trump guilty in May of falsifying business records related to the payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump maintains his innocence. The case stems from payments made to silence Daniels before the 2016 election. The payment was falsely recorded as legal expenses.
