Emmanuel OchayiIn a legal development, the sentencing of former U.S. President Donald Trump in the hush money case has been postponed until after the upcoming November presidential election.
This delay allows Trump, the Republican nominee, to continue his campaign without facing immediate legal consequences.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSentencing Postponed to November 26
The original sentencing date, set for September 18, has been moved to November 26, weeks after the U.S. election.
Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan, presiding over the case, explained the reasoning behind the postponement, stating, “The Court is a fair, impartial, and apolitical institution.” He added that the delay is meant to “avoid any appearance—however unwarranted—that the proceeding has been affected by or seeks to affect the approaching presidential election in which the defendant is a candidate.”
Trump’s Legal Team Pushes for Delay
Donald Trump’s legal team had been pushing for this postponement for months, claiming that sentencing him during the election campaign would amount to election interference.
The defense team had even asked a federal court to step in and delay the case, arguing that moving forward with sentencing would affect the fairness of the presidential race.
Trump’s lawyers also argue that a delay would allow time for consideration of a separate legal challenge that could affect the outcome.
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Trump’s defense team is seeking to overturn the original conviction based on a separate ruling that former presidents may have some degree of immunity from criminal prosecution.
The defense is hopeful that Judge Merchan will rule in their favor on this matter before sentencing.
Federal Court Rejects Trump’s Request
In a related decision, a federal judge rejected Trump’s request to have the U.S. District Court in Manhattan take control of the case from Judge Merchan’s New York state court.
Trump’s team sought this move in an attempt to have the case dismissed or delayed further, but the federal court denied the request.
Trump’s legal team has indicated that they will appeal this ruling, but it is unlikely to affect the November sentencing date.
Hush Money Case Background
The case stems from Trump’s alleged payment of $130,000 in hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election.
Daniels claims that she and Trump had a sexual encounter in 2006, a claim he denies. Prosecutors argued that the payment was part of a larger scheme to cover up damaging stories during Trump’s first presidential campaign.
Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, facilitated the payment to Daniels and was later reimbursed by Trump.
The reimbursements were recorded by Trump’s company as legal expenses, leading to his conviction in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Trump has repeatedly called the case a politically motivated “witch hunt” and maintains that the payments were legitimate legal fees.
Potential Sentencing
Donald Trump could face a range of penalties, including up to four years in prison, probation, a fine, or conditional discharge, which would require him to avoid further legal trouble.
However, any appeal cannot proceed until after the sentencing.
“This entire case is an attempt to interfere with my campaign,” Trump said in a statement. “I will fight this all the way, and we will win.”
Campaign Continues Amid Legal Battles
As the legal process unfolds, he remains active on the campaign trail. His legal battles have become a central part of his campaign narrative, as he continues to portray himself as a victim of political persecution.
With the sentencing now delayed until after the election, he will be able to focus on his bid to return to the White House, though legal issues will continue to loom large in his campaign.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
