Judge rejects Trump’s bid to delay sentencing before Inauguration

A New York judge has denied President-elect Donald Trump’s request to postpone a sentencing hearing scheduled for Friday, just days before his January 20 inauguration. Trump’s legal team had argued that the hearing should be delayed until appeals regarding his presidential immunity claims were resolved.

In a late Monday ruling, Judge Juan Merchan dismissed Trump’s arguments, stating they largely repeated previous claims. “This Court has considered Defendant’s arguments in support of his motion and finds that they are for the most part, a repetition of the arguments he has raised numerous times in the past,” Merchan wrote.

The judge had already rejected Trump’s motion to dismiss the case last week, ordering sentencing to proceed on January 10 for the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments during the 2016 election.

Trump Appeals, Calls Sentencing ‘Unlawful’

Trump’s legal team filed an appeal Monday, seeking a January 27 hearing, a week after his inauguration. They argued Trump is entitled to an “automatic stay” under New York law. In a statement, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung described the sentencing as “unlawful,” citing the Supreme Court’s recent decision on presidential immunity and New York’s state constitution.

Meanwhile, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office opposed the delay, asserting that Trump himself had caused previous postponements. The sentencing, originally set for July 2024, was delayed multiple times at Trump’s request.

Prosecutors Say Timing is ‘Least Burdensome’

Prosecutors emphasized that sentencing now, before Trump assumes presidential duties, avoids complications. “Sentencing a sitting President during his term in office raises heightened and potentially insuperable obstacles,” they wrote. Sentencing on January 10 “raises none of these concerns” and could be completed in under an hour, they added.

Judge Merchan indicated he would not impose jail time, instead likely sentencing Trump to an unconditional discharge, leaving him a convicted felon without further penalties.

Background: Hush Money Case

Trump was convicted in May for falsifying business records tied to hush money payments made by his then-attorney, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential race. Daniels alleged a 2006 affair with Trump, a claim he denies.

The case gained renewed attention following the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling redefining presidential immunity. Despite Trump’s arguments, Merchan ruled the decision did not impact his conviction.

Trump is expected to appear virtually for the Friday hearing.