Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has asked a New York judge to halt his sentencing on January 10 in his felony hush money case.
Trump’s lawyers filed a request to stop the sentencing, stating that they would appeal the decision by Justice Juan Merchan to proceed with the sentencing.
Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in May 2024.
The charges stemmed from Trump’s attempt to disguise reimbursements for a hush money payment to an adult film star as legal expenses. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.
Trump’s lawyers believe that filing an appeal should halt the criminal proceedings in his New York case. They argue that the sentencing should be delayed until the appeal is resolved.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office has opposed the request, arguing that Trump would not be prejudiced by proceeding with the sentencing.
Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump’s presidential transition, stated that the American people elected Trump with an overwhelming mandate that demands an immediate end to the “political weaponization” of the justice system.
The sentencing is scheduled to proceed on January 10, with Trump ordered to appear virtually or in-person for the hearing.
