Former President Donald Trump has faced yet another setback in his attempts to delay his looming hush money criminal trial in New York. The appeals court judge swiftly rejected Trump’s latest request to postpone the trial, clearing the way for jury selection to begin next Monday. Trump’s lawyers argued that he should be on the campaign trail rather than defending himself in court, but their plea was dismissed.
The hush money case against Trump is the first of four criminal indictments against him to go to trial. This case would also be the first criminal trial ever of a former president. Trump’s lawyers raised complaints about trial Judge Juan Merchan refusing to postpone the case until the Supreme Court rules on an immunity claim in another case. They argue that evidence in the hush money case could be excluded if the Supreme Court rules in Trump’s favor.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office pushed back against the delay requests, arguing that Trump’s lawyers had plenty of time to raise immunity and other issues before waiting until the last minute. They emphasized the importance of the trial proceeding on schedule and highlighted the public interest in ensuring the criminal trial moves forward. Despite Trump’s efforts to postpone the trial, the court has made extensive efforts to prepare for the upcoming proceedings.
Trump is accused of falsifying his company’s records to conceal payments made to his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen. Cohen had helped Trump suppress negative stories during his 2016 campaign, including paying Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged extramarital encounter with Trump. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges and maintains that the payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses. His lawyers argue that the trial should exclude evidence related to his time as president due to immunity protections.
In addition to his request for trial delays, Trump’s lawyers have also raised objections to trial Judge Juan Merchan’s handling of the case. They accused him of bias and a conflict of interest, pushing for him to step aside. Merchan has not ruled on these recusal requests, as well as another defense delay request, claiming prejudicial media coverage. The ongoing legal battle highlights the complex and contentious nature of Trump’s hush money criminal trial as it approaches jury selection next week.
