A New York appeals court has rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s request to delay his sentencing in the hush money case, clearing the way for the hearing to proceed on Friday, January 10.
Trump’s legal team had sought to overturn a decision by Justice Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the case, who ordered Trump to appear for sentencing before his inauguration on January 20. However, the appeals court dismissed the emergency motion on Tuesday, just minutes after holding a hearing on the matter.
Justice Merchan had previously rejected Trump’s arguments against the sentencing, describing them as repetitive and lacking merit. In his Monday ruling, Merchan stated, “Defendant’s motion for a stay of these proceedings, including the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025, is hereby DENIED.”
The case revolves around Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, stemming from his attempts to conceal reimbursements for a $130,000 hush money payment to an adult film star by labeling them as legal expenses. Trump, who pleaded not guilty, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, calling the prosecution politically motivated.
Trump’s legal team argued that the proceedings should be halted due to his status as president-elect and claimed the case was flawed from the outset. Justice Merchan dismissed these claims, including Trump’s assertion of presidential immunity, which the court rejected in December.
The sentencing, delayed several times due to the 2024 presidential election, is now set to proceed. Justice Merchan indicated that Trump would likely face an “unconditional discharge,” meaning no prison time, fines, or probation. Trump has been given the option to attend the hearing virtually or in person.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the charges, initially indicated openness to postponing sentencing until Trump completed his term. However, following Merchan’s decision to move forward, Bragg urged the court to proceed with the sentencing this week.
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump’s presidential transition team, criticized the case, calling it part of the “political weaponization of our justice system.”
Trump has not confirmed whether he will attend the sentencing in person or virtually, but his legal team has vowed to pursue further appeals. Justice Merchan acknowledged this possibility, stating Trump “must be permitted to avail himself of every available appeal.”
Friday’s sentencing marks a historic moment, making Trump the first former president and president-elect to face criminal punishment.
