Judge's Decision on Trump Sentencing Delay Imminent

A New York judge is expected to rule on Donald Trump's request to delay his sentencing in a hush money criminal case until after the November 5 election. Trump's legal team argues the delay is necessary to appeal the conviction, citing election interference and a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity.

A New York judge is slated to make a crucial decision on Friday regarding former President Donald Trump's request to delay his sentencing in a hush money criminal case until post the November 5 election.

Set for September 18, Trump's sentencing comes right before the election where he is the Republican nominee. Trump's lawyers petitioned Justice Juan Merchan in August, alleging that the timeline indicates 'naked election-interference objectives.' Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, filed the charges but did not oppose the delay request. Prosecutors indicated that the judge would announce his decision on Friday.

In this landmark criminal trial of a former president, Trump was convicted on May 30 for falsifying business records to conceal $130,000 paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels for her silence regarding a purported sexual encounter. Bragg's office contended that the case pertains to Trump's personal conduct, and thus the verdict should remain unaffected by the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity. Trump vehemently denies the encounter and aims to overturn the conviction based on a recent Supreme Court decision.

(With inputs from agencies.)