Just days before his presidential inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump's legal team has filed a motion to postpone his sentencing in the New York v. Trump case, citing the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity, the New York state constitution, and established legal precedents. Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, characterized the case as a "meritless hoax" and a "political weaponization of our justice system." He emphasized the president-elect's overwhelming electoral mandate and the need to end such proceedings. Cheung expressed confidence that the incoming administration would focus on uniting the country and advancing Trump's agenda to "make America great again."
The Manhattan district attorney's office has countered Trump's motion, urging the court to proceed with the scheduled sentencing on January 10, 2025. Judge Juan Merchan, who previously stated he would not impose a prison sentence, is expected to issue an "unconditional discharge," meaning no punishment for Trump. The sentencing relates to Trump's May conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records connected to a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign. The payment was allegedly made to suppress Daniels' claims of an affair with Trump, which he has consistently denied.
President-elect Trump during a meeting. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump has vehemently maintained his innocence, portraying the case as a politically motivated attack by Democrats designed to undermine his electoral prospects. He has criticized Judge Merchan and the legal system, accusing them of bias and fabricating facts. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump reiterated his claims of innocence, highlighting the alleged lack of a case against him and denouncing the proceedings as a "rigged" effort to target him as a political opponent. He also linked the legal actions against him to businesses leaving New York, citing concerns about the legal environment.
Former President Donald Trump in court. (Steven Hirsch-Pool/Getty Images)
Judge Juan Merchan in photo illustration. (AP)
This sentencing has been subject to multiple delays. Trump's legal team previously sought to overturn the guilty verdict, invoking the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity. However, Judge Merchan rejected this request.
