A New York appeals court has denied a request from President-elect Donald Trump to postpone his criminal sentencing, which is set for next week. The ruling, delivered by Judge Ellen Gesmer, came shortly after a hearing in Manhattan regarding Trump's application to delay the sentencing, which arises from his conviction on multiple counts.
Last year, Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a $130,000 payment made by his then-attorney to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This payment was allegedly made just before the 2016 presidential election to ensure Daniels remained silent about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Despite the conviction, Trump continues to deny any sexual relationship with Daniels.
Trump's legal team argued during the hearing that he deserved a stay of the sentencing based on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling from last year. This ruling suggested that presidents might have presumptive criminal immunity for actions taken while in office. However, Judge Gesmer concluded that there was insufficient basis for the request.
"After consideration of the papers submitted and the extensive oral argument, movant's application for an interim stay is denied." – Judge Ellen Gesmer
The original trial was presided over by Judge Juan Merchan, who has previously stated that he is unlikely to impose any probationary sentence or fines on Trump. Despite this, Trump's attorneys contended that carrying out the sentencing just ten days before he is scheduled to be sworn in for a second term would cause irreparable harm and violate his constitutional rights. They argued that the timing of the sentencing is inherently prejudicial.
Furthermore, Trump's lawyers claimed the hush money payment to Daniels was an official act performed while he was in office, thereby entitling him to the protections they assert should come from presidential immunity. As the clock ticks down to the sentencing date, the implications of this legal battle continue to unfold.
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