New York Judge Delays Trump Sentencing Until After US Election

AFP/APP

New York: Sentencing for Donald Trump in his New York hush money trial was delayed Friday until after November’s election, marking a win for the Republican as he competes against Kamala Harris in the closely contested White House race.

The former US president was initially scheduled to be sentenced on September 18 for falsifying business records related to a scheme aimed at silencing a porn star’s politically damaging story. However, Judge Juan Merchan postponed the sentencing to November 26, three weeks after the November 5 election, following a request by Trump’s legal team.

“This is not a decision this Court makes lightly, but it is the decision which in this Court’s view, best advances the interests of justice,” Judge Merchan stated.

The postponement occurs as Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris prepare for their debate next Tuesday in what is already an extraordinary presidential race.

Trump welcomed the delay, posting on his Truth Social platform and condemning the case as a “witch hunt.” He further added, “This case should be rightfully terminated.”