Judge Delays Trump’s Sentencing in Hush Money Case Until After Election

In a significant legal development, Justice Juan M. Merchan has postponed the sentencing of former U.S. President Donald Trump in his hush money case, pushing the date to November 26, three weeks after the presidential election. The delay comes as Trump continues to navigate the complexities of his criminal conviction while simultaneously campaigning to return to the White House.

Originally scheduled for September 18, Trump’s sentencing will now take place just before Thanksgiving, offering the Republican nominee a much-needed reprieve during the final stretch of his presidential run. Justice Merchan, who is also considering a defense request to overturn the conviction on immunity grounds, stated that the postponement was necessary to avoid any perception of political bias.

Read Also : CBN officially Approves $20,000 for BDCs at N1,580 per Dollar

In his four-page decision, Merchan explained that his intention was to ensure the court remained an impartial entity, free from any suggestion that the trial or sentencing might influence the outcome of the election. “The Court is a fair, impartial, and apolitical institution,” Merchan wrote, clarifying that the delay should dispel any notions of election interference.

The Trump legal team had actively sought the delay, arguing that proceeding with sentencing during the campaign would unjustly influence voters. They further contended that Trump should be given time to consider his legal options, especially after Merchan decides on their motion to vacate the conviction. Trump’s defense cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s July ruling on presidential immunity as a key factor in their argument for overturning the verdict.

Justice Merchan has set November 12 as the date to rule on the motion to dismiss the case based on the Supreme Court’s decision. This ruling will occur two weeks before the new sentencing date, adding another layer of uncertainty to Trump’s legal and political future.

By postponing the sentencing, the court ensures that the outcome of Trump’s trial will not influence voters’ decisions, allowing the election to proceed without the added factor of the former president’s potential imprisonment.