Judge delays Trump's sentencing date in hush money case until after election
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Former President Trump on Aug. 29 in Potterville, Michigan. Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
Former President Trump was delivered a win Friday when a judge granted his request to delay sentencing in his hush money case.
Why it matters: The GOP presidential nominee's sentencing date was moved from Sept. 18 to Nov. 26 — after the general election.
Zoom in: Judge Juan Merchan wrote that he made the decision "to avoid any appearance — however unwarranted — that the proceeding has been affected by or seeks to affect the approaching Presidential election in which the Defendant is a candidate."
- The decision "should dispel any suggestion that the Court" handed down a sentence to either help or hurt a party or candidate, he wrote, adding that the court is "apolitical."
- "This is not a decision this Court makes lightly but it is the decision which in this Court's view, best advances the interests of justice," he said.
The big picture: Trump's legal team has utilized several delay tactics in his criminal cases, seeking to punt his legal troubles past the November election.
- He became the first former president convicted of a felony in U.S. history in May, when he was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Between the lines: Trump's New York conviction is not eligible for a presidential pardon.
What they're saying: Steven Cheung, Trump's campaign spokesperson, said in an emailed statement that "there should be no sentencing" and the case should be dismissed "as mandated by the United States Supreme Court."
Catch up quick: Trump failed in his efforts earlier this week to move his hush money case from New York state courts to federal jurisdiction.
- Prosecutors had opposed his request to halt sentencing until that was resolved.
- Trump's legal team in mid-August also requested a delay in sentencing until after the presidential election, claiming that keeping the date constituted election interference. He was originally set to be sentenced in July.
What we're watching: Although Trump's conviction carries the possibility of prison time, many legal analysts believe Merchan will opt for a less severe penalty.
Go deeper: Trump loses bid to move hush money case to federal court
Editor's note: This story has been updated with details from the decision and a statement from Trump's team.
