Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to an adult-film star, but sentencing has been delayed due to motions from Trump’s legal team. His lawyers have argued for the conviction to be overturned, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. Judge Merchan stated that his decision to delay sentencing was in part to avoid the perception that the court’s actions might influence the upcoming election.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to an adult-film star, but sentencing has been delayed due to motions from Trump’s legal team. His lawyers have argued for the conviction to be overturned, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. Judge Merchan stated that his decision to delay sentencing was in part to avoid the perception that the court’s actions might influence the upcoming election.

In his letter, Merchan emphasized the importance of not appearing biased toward any political party or candidate. He mentioned that adjourning the sentencing would help avoid any suggestion that the decision was politically motivated. The delay also allows time for a ruling on Trump’s motion to vacate the verdict, which is scheduled for November 12.

In his letter, Merchan emphasized the importance of not appearing biased toward any political party or candidate. He mentioned that adjourning the sentencing would help avoid any suggestion that the decision was politically motivated. The delay also allows time for a ruling on Trump’s motion to vacate the verdict, which is scheduled for November 12.

This delay is the latest in a series of postponed legal proceedings involving Trump, who faces multiple criminal indictments in New York, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Georgia. While the New York hush money case has progressed further than the others, the final decision regarding Trump’s sentencing will now be made after the presidential election. If a jail sentence is imposed, it could have significant consequences for the former president’s political future.

Judge Merchan acknowledged the historic significance of the case, noting the unique challenges of presiding over a trial involving a former president. He highlighted the need to respect both the jury’s verdict and Trump’s constitutional rights, while carefully considering the broader political implications of the case.