Trump’s Sentencing Postponed Until After Election
Donald Trump’s sentencing for his Manhattan criminal case, related to hush money payments, has been delayed until after the 2024 presidential election. On Friday, Judge Juan Merchan rescheduled the sentencing to November 26, citing the “exceptional timing” of the case, which involves a high-profile defendant running for office.
Initially scheduled for September 18, the sentencing was pushed back after Trump’s legal team employed a series of strategies aimed at postponing the hearing. Earlier this year, in May, Trump was convicted of 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records, marking the first time a sitting or former U.S. president has been convicted of a crime.
In his ruling, Judge Merchan emphasized the need for a sentencing hearing free from political influence, writing that the court’s focus should remain on the jury’s verdict. “The jury’s decision deserves full attention,” the judge noted, adding that the proceedings should not be overshadowed by the upcoming presidential election on November 5. He explained that the three-week delay was necessary to prevent the sentencing from being perceived as politically motivated.
Trump could potentially face up to four years in prison, but Judge Merchan has the authority to issue a lighter sentence, such as probation, a fine, or a reduced jail term. Prosecutors accused Trump of paying off adult-film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign to silence claims of an affair, which Daniels testified to. Trump allegedly concealed the $130,000 payment by disguising it as legal expenses, thus violating election laws.
While the sentencing was initially set for July, Trump’s legal team successfully postponed it, citing a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that grants presidents immunity from prosecution for official actions. Judge Merchan allowed the delay to consider the impact of the ruling on the case, with a decision expected by November 12.
Judge Merchan dismissed several of Trump’s other attempts to delay the proceedings, calling them “unsupported grievances” unworthy of the court’s attention. However, he acknowledged that delays in sentencing for personal or scheduling reasons are not unusual, and Trump should be treated no differently.
In his decision, the judge made clear that postponing the sentencing was not intended to favor any political candidate, asserting that the court operates as a neutral and apolitical body. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the case a “witch hunt” on his social media platform Truth Social and asserting his innocence to the media.
Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney responsible for the charges, stated that his office is prepared for sentencing on the new date.
If re-elected, Trump could pardon himself from federal convictions, but this case and others like the election interference case in Georgia involve state charges, which are beyond presidential pardon powers.
