A New York appeals judge denied Donald Trump‘s latest attempt to delay his April 15 criminal trial, marking a significant step towards the first-ever trial of a former U.S. president.
Trump’s legal team sought a postponement, arguing over concerns about judicial impartiality and the admissibility of Trump’s tweets as evidence.
During the hearing, Trump’s lawyer, Emil Bove, contended that the trial should be postponed as Justice Juan Merchan, overseeing the case, had yet to rule on their request for him to recuse himself.
Bove criticized Merchan’s decision to reject their plea to exclude Trump’s tweets from his presidential term as evidence, citing presidential immunity.
“We are scheduled to begin trial under circumstances that will violate President Trump’s rights,” Bove asserted before Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer at the Appellate Division.
In response, Steven Wu, representing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, emphasized the urgency of proceeding with the trial, stating, “There is a powerful public interest in ensuring that this criminal trial goes forward.”
The case revolves around allegations that Trump concealed a $130,000 payment made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, aiming to silence her about an alleged affair before the 2016 election.
Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to this payment but maintains his innocence, denying any encounter with Daniels.
Despite ongoing legal maneuvers, including requests for recusal and challenges to trial location and proceedings, Trump’s trial is set to proceed as scheduled.
The trial holds immense significance as it marks the first instance of a former U.S. president facing criminal charges in court.
