Trump's Legal Team Seeks Sentencing Delay Until After Election

Attorneys for former President Donald Trump have formally requested that a New York judge postpone his sentencing, currently scheduled for September 18, until after the upcoming presidential election. In a letter to Justice Juan Merchan, Trump's lawyers argued that the timing of the sentencing could unduly influence voters, as it falls just weeks before Election Day. They emphasized that a delay would allow Trump to adequately prepare for potential appeals related to his conviction for falsifying business records. The request comes as Trump’s legal team awaits a ruling from Judge Merchan on a motion to overturn the conviction, which they argue should be influenced by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding presidential immunity. The attorneys contended that the brief period between the ruling and the sentencing date would not provide sufficient time for Trump to pursue an appeal if the judge rules against him. They described the current timeline as "unreasonably short" and lacking valid justification. Additionally, Trump's lawyers have raised concerns about a perceived conflict of interest involving Judge Merchan, citing his daughter's work for a Democratic political consulting firm. Despite these claims, the judge has previously rejected similar requests for recusal, asserting that such allegations do not constitute a legitimate conflict. The Manhattan District Attorney's office has declined to comment on the defense's latest request, while the legal proceedings continue to unfold amid the backdrop of the presidential campaign.