A New York judge has rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s request to delay his sentencing in a felony hush money case, confirming that the hearing will proceed as scheduled this Friday.
Justice Juan Merchan dismissed Trump’s arguments, stating they were “for the most part, a repetition of the arguments he has raised numerous times in the past.”
The decision comes after Trump’s attorneys sought a dismissal of the case, calling it “a politically motivated prosecution that was flawed from the very beginning.”
Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, becoming the first former U.S. president found guilty of a crime.
The charges stemmed from his attempt to disguise reimbursements for a $130,000 payment to an adult film star as legal expenses. Trump has pleaded not guilty, denying any wrongdoing.
On Monday, Justice Merchan firmly rejected Trump’s motion to halt the proceedings, writing, “Defendant’s motion for a stay of these proceedings, including the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025, is hereby DENIED.”
The case, marked by repeated delays due to the 2024 presidential election and Trump’s claims of presidential immunity, now moves toward resolution.
Justice Merchan had previously ruled out any custodial sentence, indicating he would issue an “unconditional discharge,” meaning no prison time, fines, or probation.
Trump’s legal team argued that ongoing appeals should delay the sentencing, but the Manhattan District Attorney’s office countered, saying the proceedings would not prejudice the president-elect. District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the case, asked the judge to proceed, asserting that “only by bringing finality to this matter” could the legal issues be resolved.
Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump’s presidential transition team, reiterated that the case was a “political weaponisation of our justice system,” but did not confirm whether Trump would attend the sentencing in person or virtually.
Justice Merchan has left the door open for Trump to pursue further legal challenges, writing that he “must be permitted to avail himself of every available appeal.”
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE