Judge Juan Merchan decided to postpone former President Trump’s sentencing in New York v. Trump until after the November presidential election.
Trump’s sentencing date is now scheduled for Nov. 26. The original date was set for Sept. 18.
“The public’s confidence in the integrity of our judicial system demands a sentencing hearing that is entirely focused on the verdict of the jury and the weighing of aggravating and mitigating factors free from distraction or distortion,” Merchan said in a letter Friday.
“Unfortunately, we are now at a place in time that is fraught with complexities rendering the requirements of a sentencing hearing, should one be necessary, difficult to execute. Thus, in accordance with certain of the grounds submitted by Defendant and the reasons for adjournment provided by the People coupled with the unique time frame this matter currently finds itself in, the decision on the [motion] and the imposition of sentence will be adjourned 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,” Merchan said.
Justice Juan Merchan instructs the jury before deliberations during Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s