Former President Donald Trump‘s request to postpone his April 15 trial related to hush money payments was denied by a New York judge on Wednesday. Trump sought the delay pending a U.S. Supreme Court review of claims to presidential immunity in another criminal case scheduled for April 25.
Judge Juan Merchan ruled against Trump’s defense lawyers’ argument for postponement, stating that Trump had ample opportunities to raise the issue of presidential immunity before the trial’s scheduled date.
Despite Trump’s efforts to delay the trial, the judge deemed the timing of the request as too late. Trump’s defense lawyer, Todd Blanche, refrained from providing a comment following the court’s decision.
Facing four criminal indictments, Trump maintains his plea of not guilty in each case. The New York trial centers on allegations of falsifying business records to conceal a payment made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
In addition to seeking a delay based on presidential immunity, Trump also requests postponement due to extensive media coverage potentially biasing jurors. However, Judge Merchan has yet to rule on this request.
Prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office oppose Trump’s delay requests, asserting confidence in the jury selection process to ensure a fair trial. They contend that Trump’s actions have contributed significantly to the media attention surrounding the case.
While the Supreme Court’s decision to review Trump’s appeal in another case provides a temporary reprieve, his legal challenges persist.
Apart from the New York trial, Trump faces legal battles in Georgia and Florida over his attempts to overturn election results and handling of government documents post-presidency, respectively.
Trump’s legal entanglements mark uncharted territory, as no former U.S. president has ever faced a criminal trial.
