A new chapter unfolds in the legal saga of President-elect Donald Trump as he faces imminent sentencing in a historic criminal case.
According to Reuters, New York appellate court Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer denied Trump's attempt to delay his sentencing scheduled for Friday, which comes just 10 days before his presidential inauguration.
The case marks a significant milestone as Trump became the first U.S. president to face criminal charges and subsequent conviction.
The charges stem from 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
During Tuesday's half-hour hearing in Manhattan, Justice Gesmer pressed Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, on the validity of extending presidential immunity to the transition period. When asked about legal precedent for such immunity, Blanche acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the case.
Trump's legal team raised concerns about potential imprisonment extending beyond the January 20 inauguration, despite trial judge Juan Merchan's indication that prison time was unlikely. Gesmer dismissed these concerns as unhelpful hypotheticals.
The prosecution, represented by Steven Wu from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office, emphasized that previous delays in sentencing had been granted at Trump's request, making his current timing complaints appear disingenuous.
Justice Merchan has signaled his intention to impose an unconditional discharge, effectively recording the conviction without additional penalties like fines or probation. This approach considers the practical implications of Trump's upcoming presidential role.
Trump expressed his frustration with the proceedings. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he stated:
Remember, this is a man that said he wants the transition to be smooth. Well, you don't do the kind of things. You don't have a judge working real hard to try and embarrass you, because I did nothing wrong.
The case has faced multiple dismissal attempts since the verdict, with Trump's legal team unsuccessfully arguing various angles, including presidential immunity and potential interference with governance.
President-elect Donald Trump stands at the threshold of an unprecedented legal situation as he faces sentencing in the hush money case involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office successfully prosecuted the case, leading to Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
As Friday's sentencing approaches, the court appears poised to implement a practical solution through unconditional discharge, balancing the demands of justice with the unique circumstances of a president-elect assuming office.
