Share
News

Trump Responds to Sentencing Delay, Highlights Two Words Used in Judge's Decision

Share

Former President Donald Trump keyed in on the two words “if necessary” in New York Judge Juan Merchan’s ruling Friday delaying sentencing in the Republican candidate’s hearing until after November’s election.

Merchan oversaw Trump’s criminal case in which he was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records regarding payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels by then Trump attorney Michael Cohen prior to the 2016 general election.

The sentencing hearing was originally set for July 11 following the May conviction, but had been delayed to Sept. 18, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on July 1 that presidents have partial immunity for official acts taken while in office.

It is now postponed until November 26.

Trump’s attorneys had requested a further delay until after the election, given that a subsequent ruling in the presidential immunity case is due on Sept. 16, which they may need to appeal.

Prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said they would “defer to the Court on whether an adjournment is warranted to allow for orderly appellate litigation” of any Trump appeal, but “would be prepared to appear for sentencing on any future date the Court sets,” according to NBC News.

Merchan responded in a letter Friday to Trump attorney Todd Blanche and Manhattan Assistant DA Matthew Colangelo first acknowledging the case “is one that stands alone, in a unique place in this Nation’s history.

“Unfortunately, we are now at a place in time that is fraught with complexities rendering the requirements of a sentencing hearing, should one be necessary, difficult to execute,” the judge said.

Merchan ruled, “[T]he imposition of sentence will be adjourned to avoid any appearance – however unwarranted-that the proceeding has been affected by or seeks to affect the approaching Presidential election in which the Defendant is a candidate.”

Will the hush money conviction against Trump eventually be thrown out?

Merchan stated in his final order, “the sentencing in this matter, if necessary, is adjourned to November 26, 2024.”

The judge will hear the Trump legal team’s arguments on presidential immunity in November before making a sentencing ruling, Politico reported.

“If Merchan rejects Trump’s immunity arguments and proceeds to sentencing, Trump may not have to serve it until after the appeals process has been exhausted, which would take at least several months. And if he is elected president in November, his sentence almost certainly would be suspended while he’s in office,” the news outlet said.

Trump picked up on the two words, “if necessary,” in Merchan’s order.

He wrote in a Truth Social post, “I greatly appreciate the words ‘if necessary’ being utilized in the Decision, because there should be no ‘if necessary’ – This case should be rightfully terminated, as we prepare for the Most Important Election in the History of our Country.”

Related:
Stanley Kubrick's Daughter Gives Full-Throated Endorsement to Trump, Slashes Woke Globalists

Concerning the conviction overall, Trump wrote, “The Manhattan D.A. Witch Hunt has been postponed because everyone realizes that there was NO CASE, I DID NOTHING WRONG! It is a political attack against me by Comrade Kamala Harris and other Radical Left Opponents for purposes of Election Interference.”

Trump told Fox News, “The case was delayed because everyone realizes there was no case and I did nothing wrong,” adding, “It is a case that should never have been brought.”

The 45th president said, “The case should be dead.”

The New York case was the only one of the four criminal cases brought against Trump during the election year to go to trial.

Special counsel Jack Smith’s two federal cases and Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis’ election interference case all faced legal hurdles, which ultimately prevented them proceeding before the election.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, ,
Share
Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."
Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.
Birthplace
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated dean's list from West Point
Education
United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law
Books Written
We Hold These Truths
Professional Memberships
Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Entertainment, Faith




Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Conversation