President-elect Donald Trump’s legal team has filed a motion to delay his sentencing in the controversial hush money case involving Stormy Daniels, currently scheduled for January 10, just ten days before his inauguration. The move comes as Trump’s lawyers prepare to appeal the conviction, arguing that the case is politically motivated and asserting that presidential immunity should apply.
Legal Strategy to Delay Sentencing
The request to postpone sentencing aims to buy time for an appeal that challenges the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to Daniels during the 2016 election. Trump’s defense team contends that the charges are not only politically motivated but also overreach the intended use of business record statutes.
If sentencing is delayed past January 20, when Trump is sworn in as president, he could invoke presidential immunity, potentially stalling proceedings until after his second term in office, which would end in 2029.
Judge’s Position
Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the case, has signaled that he is unlikely to impose jail time for Trump, instead considering an unconditional discharge. Such a sentence would mean no prison, fines, or probation for the president-elect. However, Trump’s defense team argues that the timing of the sentencing—so close to the inauguration—is intended to politically undermine him as he prepares to take office.
The Case: A Point of Contention
The charges stem from allegations that Trump directed his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to pay $130,000 in hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to prevent her from discussing an alleged affair. Prosecutors in Manhattan argue that these payments were illegally concealed through falsified business records, a violation of New York law.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has defended the charges, maintaining that his office has consistently pursued similar cases. Trump, however, has labeled the entire investigation a “witch hunt” orchestrated by political opponents to derail his presidency.
What’s at Stake
The case has significant implications beyond the courtroom. Critics of the prosecution argue that it sets a dangerous precedent by criminalizing actions that are often settled as civil matters. Meanwhile, Trump’s opponents view the case as a necessary step in holding public figures accountable for unethical behavior.
With his inauguration looming, Trump’s legal team is pressing for swift action to delay sentencing. If their motion is denied, the president-elect could face the spectacle of being sentenced in the midst of preparing to take office—a moment unprecedented in U.S. history.
Conclusion
The legal battle over Trump’s sentencing underscores the deep political and legal divisions in the country. While Trump’s team pushes to delay the case until after his presidency, critics question whether such delays serve justice or undermine it. As the January 10 sentencing date approaches, all eyes are on the courtroom to see how this historic legal drama unfolds.