2024-11-19 19:15:00
In the hush money trial against US President-elect Donald Trump, the public prosecutor’s office wants to stick to the conviction of the 78-year-old. At the same time, District Attorney Alvin Bragg appeared open to postponing the sentencing that was actually planned for next week for years – until after the end of the Republican’s second four-year term in office.
In a letter to Judge Juan Merchan, Bragg argued that no law says that a president’s criminal immunity affects a trial during which the defendant did not already have immunity. In addition, Trump’s condemned behavior involves crimes that predated his first term as president and therefore did not enjoy any special legal protection.
Regarding a possible postponement, Bragg wrote: “Given the need to weigh competing constitutional interests,” consideration must be given to, among other things, postponing any further action “until after the end of the defendant’s upcoming term in office.”
An expected decision from the judge on how to proceed was still pending. If the guilty verdict remains, Trump could be the first sitting US president to be criminally convicted in just a few weeks. He is scheduled to be sworn in for his second term at the head of state on January 20th.
At the beginning of July, the Supreme Court, with its right-wing conservative majority of judges, decided that Trump enjoyed immunity for certain official acts. The Republican’s lawyers want to use this historic landmark ruling to overturn the verdict in the hush money trial. As president, Trump must also be able to act, which could be hindered by a punishment in the case.
Jurors in New York found Trump guilty on 34 counts at the end of May. The trial concerned the illegal concealment of $130,000 in hush money payments to a porn actress in order to gain advantages in the 2016 election campaign. In the worst case scenario, he could face several years in prison – although this is seen as unlikely given his upcoming presidency.
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How might public perception shift in response to the developments in Trump’s hush money trial?
**Interview with Legal Analyst Sarah Thompson on Trump’s Hush Money Trial**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Sarah. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the latest developments in the hush money trial involving President-elect Donald Trump.
**Sarah Thompson:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** The public prosecutor’s office seems determined to uphold the conviction against Trump. What does this indicate about their approach and strategy moving forward?
**Sarah Thompson:** It certainly shows a strong commitment from the prosecution. Upholding the conviction signals that they believe they have a solid case and are willing to stand by their decision in the face of potential delays or appeals. This also emphasizes the importance of accountability regardless of Trump’s political status.
**Interviewer:** District Attorney Alvin Bragg has mentioned the possibility of postponing the sentencing. Why might they consider such a delay, especially until after the Republican primaries?
**Sarah Thompson:** Postponing the sentencing could be a strategic move. By delaying the timeline, they might aim to avoid any political backlash that could arise during the Republican primaries. Additionally, it could give them more time to prepare their case comprehensively or even assess how the political landscape evolves, which could impact public perception.
**Interviewer:** How might this trial affect Trump’s campaign as he moves toward the presidency?
**Sarah Thompson:** The trial adds a complex layer to his campaign. On one hand, it could energize his base, portraying him as a victim of political persecution; on the other hand, ongoing legal troubles could scare off moderate voters who may be concerned about stability. The outcomes of this trial will likely play a significant role in shaping public opinion as the election draws closer.
**Interviewer:** With the trial still ongoing and a potential delay in sentencing, what should we be watching for in the upcoming weeks?
**Sarah Thompson:** Keep an eye on court dates and any statements from both the prosecution and defense. Furthermore, any shifts in public opinion polls could indicate how this trial is influencing voters. It’s also important to monitor reactions from Trump’s campaign team as they navigate these legal challenges while attempting to maintain electoral momentum.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Sarah. We’ll continue to follow this story closely.
**Sarah Thompson:** Thank you for having me!