New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan has announced that the sentencing in former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial will be delayed until after the 2024 presidential election. Originally scheduled for July, the new date is now set for November 26. The decision to postpone was made in order to avoid any appearance of bias and maintain the court’s reputation as a fair and impartial institution.
In a letter addressed to Trump’s attorney and the New York District Attorney’s office, Merchan emphasized that adjourning the sentencing would prevent any unwarranted speculation that it was influenced by or intended to influence the upcoming presidential election, in which Trump is a candidate. He further stated that delaying both the motion and sentencing would dispel any notion of favoritism towards or against any political party or candidate.
Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records back in May. However, his legal team has repeatedly called for Merchan’s recusal due to his daughter’s involvement with a Democratic political consulting firm. They have also sought to challenge the verdict based on a Supreme Court ruling regarding presidential immunity.
Merchan’s letter also outlined a post-election timeline, with November 12 designated as the date for him to issue a decision on immunity. Additionally, Trump attempted to delay sentencing by requesting a stay on a federal judge’s dismissal of his attempt to relocate the case but was denied.
The delay in sentencing comes alongside other ongoing legal battles involving Trump, including an appeal in an E. Jean Carroll defamation case and another federal election interference case overseen by D.C. Judge Tanya Chutkan following recent developments regarding presidential immunity.
It remains uncertain how these cases will ultimately conclude; however, legal experts have noted that even if sentenced in state cases such as those in New York and Georgia, constitutional restrictions would likely prevent Trump from serving those sentences while holding office as president.