In a new court motion filed Monday, President-elect Donald Trump’s legal team sought to delay his sentencing scheduled for later this week in the New York criminal hush money case.
Trump’s attorneys, led by his defense counsel, argued that the ruling by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan should be appealed and, as such, the sentencing, set for Friday, should be stayed.
The crux of the motion is that the appeal, which challenges Merchan’s decision to deny the dismissal of the case, should automatically prevent the sentencing from proceeding. If Merchan does not agree with the request, Trump’s legal team is asking for an immediate stay of the sentencing until the appeal process, which could span several months, is resolved.
Trump, convicted in May of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, faces legal consequences related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
This payment, made just before the 2016 presidential election, became a central issue in the case. Despite the conviction, Merchan has signaled that he is unlikely to impose jail time, probation, or a fine on Trump. Instead, he suggested a more lenient sentence.
Trump’s legal team argues for an automatic stay, pending outcome of the lengthy appeals process.
In a related move, Merchan rejected the argument that the case should be dismissed based on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling offering presidents presumptive immunity from criminal prosecution related to official acts while in office.
Trump’s team maintains that this decision, along with the New York state constitution and other legal precedents, should lead to the dismissal of the charges.
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, called the case a “Witch Hunt” and stressed that the legal arguments would ultimately result in the charges being dropped.
He expressed confidence that the case, which he called meritless, would be dismissed in the light of the Supreme Court’s immunity decision and other key legal principles.
With Trump set to be sworn in for a second, non-consecutive term as president on January 20, 2025, the ongoing legal battles could cast a shadow over his return to office.
As the legal process unfolds, many are watching closely to see how it will impact Trump’s political future and his ability to govern.
