A New York judge rejected President-elect Donald Trump's request to delay his sentencing in a felony hush money case, confirming that the hearing will go ahead as scheduled Friday.
Judge Juan Merchán dismissed Trump's arguments, saying they were “for the most part, a repetition of arguments he has raised numerous times in the past.”
The decision comes after Trump's lawyers asked for the case to be dismissed, calling it “a politically motivated prosecution that was flawed from the beginning.”
Trump was convicted in May of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, becoming the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime.
The charges arose from his attempt to disguise refunds of a $130,000 payment to an adult film star as legal expenses. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.
On Monday, Judge Merchan firmly denied Trump's motion to stop the proceedings, writing: “The defendant's motion to stay these proceedings, including the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025, is hereby DENIED.”
The case, marked by repeated delays due to the 2024 presidential election and Trump's claims of presidential immunity, is now moving toward resolution.
Judge Merchan had previously ruled out any prison sentence, indicating that he would issue an “unconditional release,” meaning no prison sentence, fines or probation.
Trump's legal team argued that ongoing appeals should delay sentencing, but the Manhattan District Attorney's office responded, saying the proceedings would not harm the president-elect. District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who presented the case, asked the judge to proceed, stating that “only by making this matter final” could the legal issues be resolved.
Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump's presidential transition team, reiterated that the case was a “political weapon of our justice system,” but did not confirm whether Trump would attend the sentencing in person or virtually.
Judge Merchan has left the door open for Trump to bring new legal challenges, writing that he “should be allowed to pursue all available appeals.”
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