Manhattan Judge to Decide on Trump's Sentencing Delay
- Manhattan prosecutors are leaving the decision on whether to delay Trump's sentencing to Judge Merchan.
- Trump has requested a delay in his sentencing until after the election, citing reasons that have no legal basis.
- The final decision on the sentencing delay is in the hands of Judge Juan Merchan.
In a significant legal development, former President Donald Trump is seeking to delay his sentencing in a New York criminal case, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that he claims grants him immunity for official acts. Trump's legal team argues that sentencing should be postponed until after the upcoming election, asserting that any potential conflicts or perceptions of impropriety could arise if he is sentenced while campaigning. However, legal experts and prosecutors contend that there is no legal basis for such a delay, emphasizing that Trump's actions—specifically, paying hush money and falsifying business records—do not constitute official presidential acts. Judge Juan Merchan is faced with the decision of whether to grant this delay, which Trump’s lawyers argue is necessary to allow for appeals related to the Supreme Court's ruling. The Manhattan District Attorney's office has expressed disagreement with several points made by Trump's defense but has ultimately deferred to the judge regarding the September 18 sentencing date. Prosecutors have indicated their readiness to proceed with sentencing, regardless of the defense's claims. The implications of this case are significant, as Trump has been convicted of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. The prosecution has highlighted the potential for further election-related crimes if sentencing is postponed, urging the court to impose a sentence without delay. The upcoming ruling on Trump's motion to vacate his conviction will be pivotal in determining the next steps in this high-profile legal battle.