Manhattan Judge Rejects Trump's Attempt to Delay Hush Money Case Sentencing Scheduled for Friday

Donald Trump, the US President-elect, faced a setback on Monday when his attempt to delay this week's sentencing in his hush money case was denied. Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan ordered the sentencing to proceed on Friday, dismissing Trump's lawyers' request for a postponement while they appeal the ruling that upheld his conviction. Trump could still seek intervention from an appeals court to pause the sentencing.

Trump's legal team argued that the appeal should automatically halt proceedings, but Merchan rejected this notion. They also challenged Merchan's earlier refusal to dismiss the case based on presidential immunity. Despite these efforts, no arguments have been scheduled yet in the appellate division of the state's trial court.

Legal Proceedings and Appeals

Prosecutors urged Merchan to continue with the sentencing as planned, citing public interest in prompt prosecution and finality of criminal proceedings. They blamed Trump for delaying his sentencing, initially set for July, by repeatedly seeking postponements. "He should not now be heard to complain of harm from delays he caused," they stated in a court filing.

Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticised the legal process, calling it a "Witch Hunt." He argued that established legal precedents and the New York state constitution should lead to the case's dismissal. Trump's lawyers maintained that numerous legal errors marred the case, including Merchan's rulings contradicting a US Supreme Court decision granting presidents broad immunity from prosecution.

Potential Outcomes and Sentencing

If sentenced on Friday, Trump will have to appeal while in office, potentially dealing with criminal proceedings for years. His lawyers raised concerns about facing another trial if he wins his appeal while serving as president. The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel has stated that a sitting president is immune from criminal proceedings.

The charges against Trump involve an alleged scheme to conceal a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. The case focused on how Trump reimbursed his former lawyer Michael Cohen for paying Daniels. Trump denies any wrongdoing and claims Daniels' story is false.

Judge's Decision and Future Implications

Judge Merchan suggested that sentencing Trump with an unconditional discharge—closing the case without jail time, fines, or probation—might be the best solution. However, Trump's lawyers remained firm in their stance against what they termed a "meritless case." They argued that constitutional violations were evident in Merchan's decisions.

If sentencing does not occur before Trump's inauguration on January 20, it might be postponed until he leaves office in 2029. This delay could complicate closing the case before his second term begins. Whenever sentenced, Trump will have a chance to speak, as will his lawyers and prosecutors.

The conviction carries potential penalties ranging from fines or probation to up to four years in prison. Trump's legal team continues to challenge the verdict and seeks dismissal based on presidential immunity grounds.