A New York judge on Monday denied President-elect Donald Trump’s last-minute request to delay sentencing in his business records case. Trump’s legal team had filed the petition earlier in the day, seeking more time to pursue an appeal, but Judge Juan M. Merchan rejected the motion, keeping sentencing scheduled for January 10.
Trump’s lawyers argued that Merchan’s ruling last week, which set the sentencing date, should be overturned by a state appeals court. Merchan, however, ruled that Trump is “unlikely to prevail on the merits of any interlocutory appeals.”
In his decision, Merchan stated that the arguments presented by Trump’s defense were largely a repetition of previous claims. These included motions to vacate the conviction and dismiss the indictment, as well as a “Clayton Motion” to dismiss the case in the interests of justice. All such motions were previously denied.
The case centers on allegations of falsified business records, which prosecutors argued were part of a broader effort to conceal payments and mislead investigators. Trump’s legal troubles have drawn significant attention as he prepares to begin his second term in the White House.
Sentencing remains on track for this Friday, January 10, despite Trump’s ongoing legal challenges and appeals efforts.
