Article Summary –

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have requested that his sentencing for falsifying business records be delayed until after the upcoming election, arguing that the election’s importance to the nation could compromise the integrity of future proceedings. In May, Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election, and his sentencing is currently scheduled for September 18 after a previous postponement. Trump’s attorneys have also raised concerns about Judge Juan Merchan, who they argue is conflicted due to his daughter’s work on a digital fundraising campaign for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign during the 2020 election.

Trump’s Legal Team Requests Sentencing Delay Post-Election

Donald Trump’s lawyers have requested a New York judge to delay his sentencing for falsifying business records until after the forthcoming election. The former President was convicted on these felony charges in May, connected to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election.

The Legal Letter

In a letter to Judge Juan Merchan, Trump’s lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove appealed for a delay, asserting it would minimize issues regarding the integrity of future proceedings. They argue that the period between Merchan’s decision on immunity and the sentencing date is too short for a proper appeal if the ruling is against Trump.

Scheduling Issues and Alleged Conflicts

The original sentencing date was July 11, however, at Trump’s request, Judge Merchan postponed the date to Sept. 18 to allow time for arguments on the impact of a U.S. Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity in a separate Trump case. Trump’s lawyers have thrice pressed for the judge to recuse himself from the case due to an alleged conflict, which the judge has denied.

Concerns About Prejudice and Ongoing Inquiry

Blanche also voiced concerns about potential prejudice to Trump, and harm to the institution of the Presidency if the Manhattan district attorney’s office submits its sentencing recommendation before the immunity decision. Allegations of conflicts and appearances of impropriety have prompted a congressional inquiry into the case. Trump has claimed that Judge Merchan is conflicted as his daughter’s company did digital fundraising for Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign.

Backlash and Response

House Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan, a Trump ally, demanded information from Judge Merchan’s daughter regarding her company’s work relating to Harris, Biden, and the Democratic National Committee. The company’s founder, Mike Nellis, denied any connection between the company’s work and Trump’s case. The ongoing allegations have led to death threats and harassment to both Nellis and the judge’s daughter.

Judge Merchan’s Rulings and Responses

Judge Merchan has repeatedly rejected Trump’s requests for recusal, stating that innuendo and mischaracterizations do not create a conflict. He also issued a partial gag order preventing Trump from publicly criticizing his daughter, prosecutors, court staff and their relatives until after the sentencing. Trump has expressed his frustration with the gag order and the whole process, hinting at a potential appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.