Trump’s sentencing still on for Friday after judge rebuffs his push for a delay while he appeals
Associated PressNEW YORK — President-elect Donald Trump remains on track to be sentenced this week in his hush money case after a judge on Monday denied his request to halt proceedings while he appeals a ruling that upheld the historic verdict. “Today, President Trump’s legal team moved to stop the unlawful sentencing in the Manhattan D.A.’s Witch Hunt,” Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said. “The Supreme Court’s historic decision on Immunity, the state constitution of New York, and other established legal precedent mandate that this meritless hoax be immediately dismissed.” Trump’s lawyers did not immediately ask the appeals court to halt Trump’s sentencing. He said giving Trump what’s known as an unconditional discharge — closing the case without jail time, a fine or probation — “appears to be the most viable solution.” Trump’s lawyers were unmoved, arguing that the “meritless case” was fostered by “numerous legal errors,” including rulings by Merchan they say flew in the face of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last July that granted presidents broad immunity from prosecution. Cohen, a key prosecution witness who had previously called for Trump to be put in prison, said that “based upon all of the intervening circumstances” Merchan’s decision to sentence Trump without punishment “is both judicious and appropriate.” Trump’s sentencing initially was set for last July 11, then postponed twice at the defense’s request.