Judge Delays Trump's Sentencing Until After Election

A New York judge has postponed the sentencing of former U.S. President Donald Trump in his hush money criminal case to November 26, following the presidential election. The delay aims to avoid appearing politically motivated. Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to cover a payment to Stormy Daniels.

A New York judge on Friday delayed the sentencing of former U.S. President Donald Trump in his hush money criminal case until after the November 5 election, aiming to circumvent any perception of political bias. Trump, the GOP presidential candidate, was initially set to be sentenced on September 18.

Justice Juan Merchan pushed back the sentencing date to November 26. This came after Trump's lawyers requested an extension, citing potential 'naked election-interference objectives.' Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, brought the charges.

Trump's campaign reiterated calls for the case's dismissal, branding it an 'Election Interference Witch Hunt.' Trump was convicted on May 30 of falsifying business records related to a payment to Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors affirmed their readiness for sentencing on the new date.

(With inputs from agencies.)