The announcement of Donald Trump's sentencing in the New York trial over hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels has been postponed until September 18, following a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court on presidential immunity. This decision significantly impacts the immediate judicial calendar of the former president, who is a candidate for the White House in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over Trump's trial, made the decision to delay the sentencing after Trump's lawyers requested a reversal of the historic verdict. The former president was found guilty of 34 crimes of accounting falsification related to the payment of $130,000 to Stormy Daniels at the end of the 2016 presidential campaign. The payment was made by Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, and later reimbursed by Trump’s companies.
The Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity states that US presidents enjoy extensive protection from prosecution for official acts performed while in office. This has given Trump's legal team the opportunity to argue for the overturning of his conviction. However, the New York case primarily revolves around actions taken before Trump's presidency, making the success of this argument uncertain.
The delay in sentencing also affects other legal proceedings involving Trump. President Joe Biden criticized the Supreme Court's decision, warning that it sets a 'dangerous precedent' by potentially allowing presidents to act without legal consequence. Biden emphasized the need for the courts to provide answers about Trump's role in significant events, such as the January 6 Capitol riot, before the upcoming election.
The Supreme Court's decision has broader implications, delaying the start of other trials against Trump, including an election fraud case in Washington. The court's ruling has sparked a debate about the limits of presidential power and the potential for abuse. Liberal judges expressed concerns about the long-term consequences, fearing it could create a 'lawless zone' around the presidency.
- The postponement of Donald Trump's sentencing in the hush money case comes just weeks before the Republican convention, where Trump is expected to be officially nominated as the party's candidate for the 2024 presidential election. The delay provides Trump's legal team with additional time to appeal the verdict and potentially avoid a prison sentence.
- President Joe Biden's criticism of the Supreme Court's ruling reflects a broader concern about the erosion of checks and balances in the US government. The decision has intensified the political debate surrounding Trump's legal troubles and their impact on the upcoming election. Biden's remarks highlight the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
