Court Rejects Trump’s Bid to Delay Hush Money Friday Sentencing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A New York appeals court rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s attempt to delay his Friday sentencing in the hush money case. Trump, convicted of falsifying business records, argued for immunity as president-elect, but judges have ruled otherwise. Sentencing will proceed as scheduled, though Trump’s legal team may pursue further appeals.
Trump’s Hush Money Sentencing: Quick Looks
- Court Decision: Appeals Judge Ellen Gesmer denied Trump’s request to delay sentencing.
- Immunity Argument: Trump’s lawyers argued presidential immunity extends to president-elect status, but courts disagreed.
- Conviction Details: Trump was convicted of falsifying business records related to hush money payments.
- Sentencing Plan: Judge Juan M. Merchan may allow Trump to appear via video.
- Legal Options: Trump’s team may escalate the appeal to higher courts, including the Supreme Court.
Court Rejects Trump’s Bid to Delay Hush Money Friday Sentencing
Deep Look
A New York appeals court on Tuesday denied President-elect Donald Trump’s latest effort to delay his sentencing in the hush money case, keeping the historic proceeding on track for Friday. Trump’s defense argued that his status as president-elect grants him immunity from criminal proceedings, but courts have repeatedly dismissed this claim.
Court Rulings Against Trump
Judge Ellen Gesmer, of the Appellate Division of the state’s trial court, issued a one-sentence ruling rejecting Trump’s emergency request. This follows Judge Juan M. Merchan’s decision last week to uphold Trump’s conviction and deny his bid to postpone sentencing.
At the center of the legal debate is Trump’s contention that the principle of presidential immunity should extend to a president-elect during the transition period. Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, argued that sentencing during this “complex, sensitive process” undermines the incoming president’s ability to govern effectively.
Merchan, however, ruled that Trump’s current status does not exempt him from criminal proceedings.
“The interests of justice would only be served by bringing finality to this matter,” Merchan wrote, adding that an unconditional discharge—closing the case without additional penalties—appears to be the most viable resolution.
Conviction and Sentencing
Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The charges stemmed from his handling of reimbursements to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen, who paid $130,000 in hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Daniels alleged an affair with Trump, which he has denied.
The conviction carries a potential sentence ranging from probation or fines to up to four years in prison. Judge Merchan has indicated he is unlikely to impose severe penalties, especially given Trump’s impending inauguration, and is open to allowing Trump to attend the sentencing remotely.
Implications of Delayed Sentencing
If Trump’s sentencing is not finalized before his inauguration on January 20, presidential immunity could postpone the case until he leaves office. Trump’s legal team has signaled its intent to challenge the case further, potentially escalating the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Manhattan prosecutors, however, argue for prompt resolution, citing the “strong public interest in the finality of criminal proceedings.”
A Historic Presidency
Trump is poised to become the first U.S. president to take office while under criminal conviction. The case has already seen delays, with sentencing postponed multiple times since the initial July 2024 date.
Despite the legal setbacks, Trump remains defiant, continuing to maintain his innocence. His legal team has criticized the rulings and vowed to exhaust all options to challenge the conviction.
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