Donald Trump’s sentencing in his Manhattan hush money criminal trial has been postponed until after the November election. Originally set for September 18, the sentencing has now been rescheduled to November 26. Justice Juan Merchan cited “the unique time frame this matter currently finds itself in” as one of the reasons for the delay. He emphasized that the case requires a sentencing hearing that is “entirely focused on the verdict of the jury.”
“Their verdict must be respected and addressed in a manner that is not diluted by the enormity of the upcoming presidential election,” Justice Merchan added, agreeing to delay sentencing exactly three weeks after the 5 November election.
Trump’s lawyers had requested the postponement and later made an unsuccessful attempt to transfer the case to federal court. In May, a New York jury convicted Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, marking the first time a current or former U.S. president has been convicted of a crime. Trump could face up to four years in prison, although Justice Merchan also has the option to impose a fine, probation, or a shorter jail term.
