Washington, Aug 16: Former U.S. President Donald Trump is requesting that his sentencing in the New York hush money case be delayed until after the November presidential election. In a letter made public on Thursday, Trump’s lawyer argued that proceeding with sentencing on the scheduled date of September 18—just seven weeks before Election Day—could be perceived as election interference.
Trump’s legal team, led by attorney Todd Blanche, contends that a postponement would also provide Trump with time to consider his legal options following a ruling expected on September 16 from trial judge Juan M. Merchan. The ruling will address the defense’s request to overturn the verdict and dismiss the case in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding presidential immunity.
Blanche’s letter, sent to Merchan on Wednesday, claims that there is no justification for hastening the sentencing process. The letter also reiterated the defense’s claim that Merchan has a conflict of interest due to his daughter’s involvement with Democratic political campaigns, including Kamala Harris’s 2020 presidential bid. Harris is running against Trump in the upcoming election.
By delaying the sentencing, Blanche argues, potential concerns about the integrity of future proceedings could be mitigated, if not entirely resolved. Merchan, who has expressed confidence in his impartiality, has yet to make a decision on the delay request.
Trump was convicted in May for falsifying business records related to a 2016 payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels, who was paid to keep quiet about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump. Prosecutors argued that the payment was intended to prevent damaging stories from emerging during Trump’s first presidential campaign. Trump denies the allegations, claiming the case is a political attack intended to undermine his current campaign.
Falsifying business records is punishable by up to four years in prison, though other potential sentences include probation, fines, or a conditional discharge. Trump, the first former president convicted of a crime, has vowed to appeal, but this cannot proceed until after his sentencing.
Merchan had previously set September 18 for sentencing or other appropriate proceedings. Blanche’s recent letter contends that the tight timeframe between the immunity ruling and the sentencing is unfair. The defense argues that Trump needs sufficient time to evaluate and pursue both state and federal appeals if Merchan rules against him.
The Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity limits prosecutions of former presidents for official acts and constrains prosecutors from using official actions as evidence of illegal behavior. Trump’s lawyers argue that this ruling should affect the evidence presented in his case, including testimonies from former White House staff.
