Judge delays Trump’s sentencing until after the election

Former President Donald Trump’s sentencing in his New York criminal case will now occur after the 2024 presidential election, following a decision by Judge Juan Merchan. Announced on Friday, the delay is intended to ensure the sentencing does not influence the outcome of the election.

In a detailed four-page letter, Judge Merchan confirmed that the sentencing would be set for November 26, unless circumstances necessitate an earlier date. This delay responds to a request from Trump’s legal team for more time to address ongoing legal arguments, including their push to overturn the conviction based on a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. Merchan’s decision reflects his concern about maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, stating that the postponement helps avoid any appearance of bias or influence on the election.

Judge Merchan emphasized that the adjournment is designed to eliminate any potential for the court’s actions to favor or disadvantage any political party or candidate. This cautious approach is intended to preserve public trust in the judicial process amid a highly charged political environment.

Trump has publicly expressed approval of the delay, interpreting Merchan’s language as a nod to his desire for the case to be dismissed outright. During a speech to the Fraternal Order of Police in North Carolina, Trump reiterated his stance that the case should be terminated and falsely claimed that the sentencing was postponed because he did nothing wrong.

In addition to postponing the sentencing, Judge Merchan will also rule on Trump’s motion to vacate the verdict based on the Supreme Court’s immunity decision on November 12. Merchan described the Supreme Court’s ruling as “historic and intervening,” which influenced his decision to delay.

Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the delay, labeling the case as an attempt at election interference. He asserted that the case should be dismissed, echoing a broader sentiment among Trump’s allies who view the legal proceedings as politically motivated.

Conversely, a spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg affirmed readiness to proceed with sentencing on the newly scheduled date. The District Attorney’s Office did not contest the delay, which Judge Merchan noted in his decision.

This postponement is part of a series of delays affecting Trump’s criminal cases. Since his multiple indictments in 2023 across New York, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Georgia, Trump has faced numerous procedural setbacks. The only trial that has concluded so far was the New York hush money case, which ended with Trump’s conviction in May. The sentencing for this case will now occur after the election, if it proceeds as scheduled.

Judge Merchan acknowledged the unique historical significance of Trump’s case and the need to address it with careful consideration. He stressed the importance of respecting the jury’s verdict and ensuring that any potential sentencing respects the defendant’s constitutional rights, free from electoral distractions.

This is the second time Merchan has delayed the sentencing. Initially scheduled for July, the date was pushed back to accommodate Trump’s legal team’s request to reconsider the verdict in light of recent Supreme Court decisions. Trump’s legal team also sought to transfer the case to federal court, citing the immunity ruling, but their request was quickly denied, and they are now appealing that decision.

Trump’s lawyers argue that the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity affects the admissibility of certain evidence from the trial, including testimonies and tweets. Prosecutors counter that the evidence was substantial and the conviction should stand.

Merchan had originally planned to rule on the immunity issue and proceed with sentencing shortly thereafter. However, Trump’s request for a delay was granted, with prosecutors deferring to the judge’s scheduling.

The delay means Trump’s conviction, which dominated headlines and public discourse earlier in the year, will not be a focal point in the final weeks of the presidential campaign. This postponement could prevent the election from interfering with any potential sentence Merchan might impose, ranging from prison time to alternative penalties like probation or community service.