Trump’s Legal Setback: Sentencing Date Upheld
A New York judge has denied a motion from President-elect Donald Trump to delay his sentencing in the high-profile Manhattan criminal case. This decision comes as Trump, who was recently found guilty of multiple counts of falsifying business records, is set to face sentencing on January 10, 2024, just days before his inauguration on January 20.
Details of the Case
The case against Trump stems from an investigation led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. In May 2024, Trump was convicted on 34 counts related to the falsification of business records. The jury found that Trump had misclassified a 0,000 payment made to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election. This payment was purportedly intended to silence allegations of an affair that supposedly occurred in 2006.
Sentencing Date Set
Earlier this month, Judge Juan Merchan scheduled Trump’s sentencing for January 10, which raises significant legal and political implications given the timing of Trump’s upcoming inauguration as president. Trump’s legal team had sought to have the verdict vacated, arguing that it violated the principles of presidential immunity established by a Supreme Court decision in the previous year. However, this request was denied by Judge Merchan, who indicated that the legal arguments presented did not warrant such action.
Trump’s Latest Motion
On January 9, Fox News Digital confirmed that Trump’s team filed a motion to stay the sentencing. This legal maneuver was described as a response to what his spokesperson, Steven Cheung, termed as an “unlawful sentencing” conducted amidst a politically motivated investigation.
In a statement, Cheung asserted, “Today, President Trump’s legal team moved to stop the unlawful sentencing in the Manhattan D.A.’s Witch Hunt. The Supreme Court’s historic decision on Immunity, the state constitution of New York, and other established legal precedent mandate that this meritless hoax be immediately dismissed.”
The Response from the Judiciary
However, Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer took swift action, issuing a ruling that dismissed Trump’s request for an interim stay. In her statement, she remarked, “After consideration of the papers submitted and the extensive oral argument, movant’s application for an interim stay is denied.” The refusal to delay sentencing indicates the court’s stance on the legal precedents presented by Trump’s defense team.
Implications for Trump’s Presidency
As Trump prepares for his sentencing hearing, he has vowed to maintain his innocence in the case. He has vigorously criticized what he describes as “lawfare,” arguing that the Democratic Party is attempting to undermine his political ambitions and hinder his re-election efforts ahead of the November elections.
Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for January 10 at 9:30 a.m., and he intends to attend virtually. The outcome could have far-reaching ramifications not just for Trump personally, but also for the broader political landscape as he embarks on another campaign for the presidency.
Looking Ahead
The developments in this legal battle will be closely monitored as they unfold. Legal analysts are debating the impact of the outcome on Trump’s political future, particularly as he prepares to lead a new administration amid ongoing scrutiny of his past actions and legal challenges.
This situation remains fluid, and it is expected that further legal maneuvers will continue as Trump’s team seeks every possible avenue to challenge the court’s decisions. As the newly elected president approaches his inauguration, the justice system, political observers, and the American public will be watching closely to see how this unprecedented legal situation develops.
Fox News’ Emma Colton and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
