Trump is already known to be guilty in the case and the sentencing is scheduled to take place on November 26.
On Tuesday, Judge Juan M. Merchan should have ruled on Trump’s demand that the ruling must be revoked. Instead, he told Trump’s lawyers that the hearing will be postponed until Tuesday next week.
According to emails to the courts that the AP news agency refers to, Trump’s lawyers have asked for the postponement.
Immune from prosecution?
Trump and his legal team have called for the ruling to be overturned because they believe Trump was immune from prosecution when the offenses were allegedly committed. The background is that the Supreme Court ruled this summer that the former president cannot be prosecuted for offenses he may have committed as president.
The kickback case is about $130,000 that was paid to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign, and which was supposed to make her keep a close eye on her alleged relationship with Trump.
Trump has not been found guilty of having paid out the money, but of falsifying documents and violating the Accounting Act in connection with the payment, which was made by his lawyer at the time, Michael Cohen.
Timings important
The big question is whether the immunity he had as president applies in this case since the money was paid out before he became president, but only repaid to Cohen after Trump had moved into the White House.
Penalties range from fines to a maximum of four years in prison. Judge Juan M. Merchan in Manhattan can also either uphold the ruling, order a new trial or dismiss the case entirely.
The assessment was already expected in September, but was postponed until after the election so that it would not be perceived as an attempt to influence the election outcome.
Trump’s lawyers have been trying for months to have the order overturned. Trump himself has consistently dismissed Daniels’ allegations as a politically motivated witch hunt intended to damage his election campaign.
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Sarah Woods on Trump’s Upcoming Sentencing**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Woods. As we approach the upcoming sentencing for Donald Trump, what are the key implications of this case becoming a judicial reality?
**Dr. Woods:** Thank you for having me. The upcoming sentencing on November 26 is a significant moment, not only for Trump personally but also for the political landscape. Given that he has already been deemed guilty, the nature of his sentence could impact his support base directly.
**Editor:** It was recently reported that Judge Juan M. Merchan postponed the ruling on Trump’s demand for a revocation of that ruling. What does this delay signify in the context of the legal proceedings?
**Dr. Woods:** The postponement demonstrates the complexities of legal maneuvers in high-profile cases. Trump’s legal team is attempting to challenge the decision, but the judge has clearly decided that more time is needed to evaluate the request properly. This type of judicial process often feeds into the narrative of legal battles as part of his broader public persona, potentially energizing both his supporters and opponents.
**Editor:** Many are speculating on how the outcome could impact Trump’s political future, especially with the next election cycle approaching. What are your thoughts?
**Dr. Woods:** If he receives a harsh sentence, it could certainly complicate his aspirations for the presidency in 2024. However, there’s also the possibility of galvanizing his supporters, who may view him as a political martyr. This situation may also pressure candidates in the Republican Party to take a stance on his legal troubles, which could further fracture or unify the party.
**Editor:** considering the upcoming hearings and the continued legal strategies by his team, what should we be paying attention to in the coming days?
**Dr. Woods:** Keep an eye on the public statements from both the Trump camp and key political figures. Additionally, monitor how media coverage evolves as we approach the sentencing date. Any new developments could influence public perception and political dynamics significantly.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Woods, for sharing your insights. This story, as it develops, will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of national news.
**Dr. Woods:** Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a crucial time for American politics.
