Former President Trump’s request to pause his criminal case stemming from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation was denied by a New York appeals court. Judge Juan Merchan had previously delayed Trump’s sentencing until after the presidential election, moving the original Sept. 18 date to Nov. 26. Trump’s attorneys requested for the case to be paused, arguing there was not enough time between the court’s decision and the sentencing for an appeal. Bragg’s office argued against a pause, stating it was legally unavailable and unnecessary given the adjournment of the sentencing date.
Originally scheduled for July 11, Trump’s sentencing was delayed until after Election Day at his request, citing possible election interference. Trump appealed the verdict, pleading not guilty to all charges. The Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity, granting limited immunity for official acts, was cited by Trump’s attorney in his argument for the case to be overturned. Judge Merchan will make a decision on Trump’s motion to vacate on Nov. 12. The high court had ruled that a former president has immunity from prosecution for official acts but not for unofficial acts, leaving it to lower court to determine the distinction.
Trump spoke with Fox News Digital after the sentencing delay, asserting that the case should never have been brought as he believes he did nothing wrong. He expressed confidence in the legal scholars who have reviewed the case and said the public understands there is no merit to the charges against him. Merchan’s decision to postpone the sentencing until November was met with Trump’s approval, emphasizing that the case should be dismissed entirely. The former president’s attorneys highlighted potential conflicts of interest in the case, such as Judge Merchan’s daughter’s connection to a firm representing Democratic candidates.
Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree following a six-week trial. A Trump campaign spokesperson criticized the Manhattan DA’s investigation as an election interference witch hunt, calling for the case to be dismissed in accordance with the Supreme Court’s mandate. The integrity of the judicial system was emphasized by Merchan in his decision to delay the sentencing, ensuring that any distractions or distortions did not interfere with the process. Trump’s legal team continues to fight the verdict, arguing for the dismissal of the case based on the immunity granted to presidents for official acts in office. The legal battle surrounding Trump’s criminal case is ongoing, with the next decision scheduled for Nov. 12.
