Donald Trump Seeks Delay in Hush Money Case Sentencing Amid Appeal Effort

New York, January 6, 2025 —

Former President Donald Trump has asked a New York judge to delay sentencing in his hush money case, as his legal team mounts an appeal to overturn the verdict. The move comes days before the sentencing, which is currently scheduled for Friday.

In a motion filed on Monday, Donald Trump’s attorneys argued that the ruling by Judge Juan M. Merchan, which upheld the verdict, should be reviewed by a state appeals court. They said the decision raised legal questions that needed resolution before sentencing proceeded.

This case merits the careful attention of the appellate court to make sure justice is done,” read a statement from Trump’s legal team. Lawyers also complained that proceeding with sentencing would prejudice their efforts to appeal the conviction.

The case revolves around allegations that Donald Trump authorized hush money payments during his 2016 presidential campaign to suppress potentially damaging stories about alleged affairs. The former president has consistently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the case as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”

Last week, Judge Merchan ratified the jury verdict, which has been hotly contested by Trump’s lawyers. The judge’s decision opens the door to sentencing. Donald Trump’s lawyers are now fighting a postponement of the sentence.

Donald Trump’s appeal comes at a time when legal challenges continue to dominate headlines surrounding his post-presidency years. Observers note that the outcome of this case could have significant implications for Trump’s political and personal future, as he remains a prominent figure in Republican circles.

The state appeals court has not indicated whether it will hear Trump’s request for a delay or expedite its review of the case. Meanwhile, Trump’s legal battles remain a focal point of public and political discourse as the former president continues to rally his base amid ongoing controversies.