Former President Donald Trump’s legal team has requested that the judge in his New York business records falsification case delay his sentencing. They are asking for the sentencing, initially set for the end of September, to be pushed back until after the November election.
In an August 14 letter to Judge Juan Merchan, Trump’s attorneys requested that the former president’s September 18 sentencing be postponed until after the November 5 presidential election. They cited concerns about fairness, potential political consequences, and ongoing legal challenges.
The letter, signed by Trump attorney Todd Blanche, outlines several reasons why the former president is seeking a postponement.
One key point is that early voting starts before the September 18 sentencing date. The letter also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, pointing to Judge Merchan’s past affiliations and possible biases.
“Sentencing is currently scheduled to occur after the commencement of early voting in the Presidential election,” Blanche wrote.
“By adjourning the sentencing until after that election—which is of paramount importance to the entire Nation, including tens of millions of people who do not share the views of Authentic, its executives, and its clients—the Court would reduce, even if not eliminate, issues regarding the integrity of any future proceedings.”
Authentic Campaigns, a business co-owned by Judge Merchan’s daughter, had close ties to Vice President Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential campaign. Merchan’s daughter had worked closely with Harris and publicly expressed support for her on social media.
The letter suggests that Merchan’s daughter’s involvement in political campaigns could cast doubt on the impartiality of the sentencing process, especially in the context of an ongoing congressional inquiry.
Blanche’s argument also centers on Trump’s assertion of presidential immunity, referencing the U.S. Supreme Court’s July 1 ruling. The decision states that presidents have absolute immunity for actions within their “conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority,” presumptive immunity for official acts, and no immunity for unofficial acts.
Blanche wrote that the sentencing delay is needed for Trump to consider options for a potential appeal in response to Merchan’s expected Sept. 16 ruling on whether Trump’s conviction in the Manhattan business records falsification case should be vacated due to the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“The requested adjournment is also necessary to allow President Trump adequate time to assess and pursue state and federal appellate options in response to any adverse ruling,” Blanche wrote.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, led by Alvin Bragg, has yet to respond to the request for adjournment.
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