A New York state appellate judge swiftly rejected former President Donald Trump‘s request to postpone his impending April 15 criminal trial.
The trial concerns allegations of hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, also known as Stephanie Clifford, prior to the 2016 presidential election.
Trump’s legal team sought to delay proceedings while pursuing a venue change away from Manhattan, where the charges originated in April 2023.
During the hearing at the Appellate Division in Manhattan, Trump’s lawyer, Emil Bove, argued that the trial’s continuation in Manhattan could lead to prejudice against the former president.
He pointed to a survey conducted by Trump’s legal team, indicating a significant bias among Manhattan residents against Trump.
Steven Wu, representing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, contended that Trump’s objection to the trial venue came too late in the legal process.
The dispute over trial location underscores the broader legal battle Trump faces, including allegations of falsifying business records.
Despite Trump’s legal team not specifying an alternative trial site, concerns over a fair trial persist amidst the backdrop of heightened media attention and political polarization.
The trial’s significance extends beyond Trump’s personal legal battles, marking a historic moment as the first criminal trial involving a former U.S. president.
Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, faces multiple legal challenges stemming from his tenure in office, including efforts to contest the 2020 election results and allegations related to the handling of sensitive government documents post-presidency.
