Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
New York’s top court has rejected Donald Trump’s attempt to delay his sentencing in his criminal case involving 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Some shit you should know: Earlier this year, President-Elect Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. The case centered on allegations that Trump reimbursed his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, for payments made to Daniels to prevent her from disclosing an alleged sexual encounter, which Trump has denied. Prosecutors argued that the payments were improperly documented in business records to conceal their true purpose and avoid negative political fallout during the campaign. Trump has consistently claimed the case is politically motivated, labeling it a “witch hunt” and arguing that the charges are part of broader efforts to undermine him.
Shortly after President-Elect Trump won the 2024 election, his legal team began a concerted effort to delay his sentencing on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump’s attorneys argued that proceeding with the sentencing would impose an “intolerable and unconstitutional burden” on him as he prepared to assume the presidency. They maintained that the Constitution necessitated an automatic pause in the case while appeals were pending, particularly given the implications for national interests during the transition period. In addition, they argued that requiring Trump to participate in the sentencing, even virtually, would interfere with his responsibilities as President-Elect and disrupt his preparations for the White House.
What’s going on now: Despite Trump’s attempts, the New York Court of Appeals has rejected their arguments, issuing a brief order that says there is no legal or constitutional basis to halt the sentencing. The court said that Judge Juan Merchan had taken steps to minimize any potential burdens on Trump, such as indicating that the sentencing would result in an unconditional discharge without prison time.
Prosecutors, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, supported the court’s position, arguing that Trump’s claims of undue hardship were unfounded and that the public interest in concluding the case outweighed any inconvenience to the President-Elect. They argued that delaying the sentencing further would set a dangerous precedent of granting extraordinary accommodations without a solid legal foundation.
This all comes as President-Elect Donald Trump faces a scheduled sentencing on Friday morning.
