Judge Postpones Trump Sentencing in Hush Money Case Until After Election

A judge postponed Donald Trump's sentencing in the hush money case until November 26, after the presidential election. The delay grants Trump time to navigate his campaign and ongoing legal challenges. Judge Merchan aims to ensure the judicial process remains impartial and unaffected by the election.

A judge agreed Friday to postpone Donald Trump's sentencing in his hush money case until after the November election, granting him a hard-won reprieve as he navigates the aftermath of his criminal conviction and the homestretch of his presidential campaign.

Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan, who is also weighing a defence request to overturn the verdict on immunity grounds, delayed Trump's sentencing until November 26, three weeks after the final votes are cast in the presidential election.

Merchan explained in a four-page decision that he was postponing the sentencing "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 Court is a fair, impartial, and apolitical institution," he added, writing that his decision "should dispel any suggestion" otherwise.

(With inputs from agencies.)