Washington — In a recent development, the judge handling former President Donald Trump's criminal case in New York has turned down his last-minute request to postpone the trial until after the U.S. Supreme Court makes a decision on Trump's claim of presidential immunity.
Trump had made a plea to delay the commencement of his trial, which revolves around a payment made by his attorney to adult film star Stormy Daniels as hush money before the 2016 election, until the Supreme Court provides clarity on whether he is protected from criminal prosecution by "presidential immunity" in another criminal case. The trial was originally set to kick off on April 15.
Judge Juan Merchan of Manhattan dismissed the request on Wednesday, citing its untimeliness and noting that Trump's legal team had ample time to raise the issue before the motion was submitted in March.
"This Court determines that the Defendant had numerous opportunities to present the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024," Merchan stated. "The Defendant could have raised this issue in his comprehensive motions on September 29, 2023, which were filed just six days before he addressed the same matter in his Federal Insurrection Matter and several months after he filed a motion for removal to federal court on May 4, 2023."
The Controversy Surrounding Trump's Business Records
Recent reports have revealed that Trump is facing a legal battle, being charged with 34 felony counts related to falsification of business records. These charges are linked to payments made to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, who had reportedly paid an adult film star on Trump's behalf. Despite the serious allegations, Trump has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty and denying any wrongdoing.
