Trump Seeks Postponement of Felony Sentencing Until After Election Day

Former President Donald Trump is seeking a postponement of his sentencing for 34 felony convictions until after the upcoming presidential election. The request was submitted to a New York court on Thursday, with the current sentencing date set for September 18. Trump’s legal team argues that this date conflicts with early voting and limits the time available for potential appeals.

Judge Juan Merchan is scheduled to rule on a request to vacate Trump’s conviction just two days prior to the sentencing hearing, leaving insufficient time for the defense to respond, according to attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove.

Trump’s lawyers expressed concerns that the sentencing timeline could unduly influence voters’ perceptions ahead of the election, highlighting Judge Merchan’s familial connections to Democratic politicians. They contend that the court’s dynamics could lead to questions regarding impartiality.

Efforts to have Merchan recuse himself from the case have been unsuccessful, despite his daughter’s affiliation with a firm that creates advertising for Democratic candidates. Trump’s legal team posits that a delay in sentencing could alleviate the appearance of conflict, especially given the political environment surrounding the case.

On the campaign trail, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have been vocal about the case. Notably, the founder of the advertising firm linked to Merchan’s daughter publicly endorses Harris, as pointed out by Trump’s attorneys.

The forthcoming sentencing date is particularly contentious as it falls after early voting begins. Pennsylvania, a crucial state in the upcoming election, allows early voting that may commence as soon as September 16, raising further implications for Trump’s case.

Uncertainties remain about whether counties in Pennsylvania will offer early voting at that time. Other states do not permit voting prior to September 18, leaving unclear how Trump’s request for a postponed sentencing may be viewed.

Additionally, Trump’s legal representation is advocating for rescheduling the hearing to allow sufficient time to address a separate, yet significant, argument concerning presidential immunity. Following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming broad immunity for presidential actions, Trump’s lawyers argue that this ruling necessitates a reevaluation of his conviction.

Judge Merchan is expected to rule on this immunity argument on September 16, just before the scheduled sentencing. According to Trump’s attorneys, this tight timeline hampers their ability to respond effectively to any adverse decisions.

In May, Trump became the first former president to face felony convictions, stemming from accusations related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. The payments were intended to remain discreet about a purported encounter prior to his presidency.

The sentencing hearing was initially set for July 11, but was delayed in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding presidential immunity and its implications on the New York case.