The sentencing of former United States President Donald Trump in a criminal hush-money case has been delayed until after the November presidential election.
New York Judge Juan Merchan announced on Friday that he would move the sentencing date, previously scheduled for September 18, to November 26.
This is the second delay in the sentencing hearing, which was originally set for July 11. Merchan explained the new date was chosen to reflect Trump’s candidacy in the upcoming election.
“The imposition of sentence will be adjourned to avoid any appearance — however unwarranted — that the proceeding has been affected by or seeks to affect the approaching Presidential election in which the Defendant is a candidate,” Merchan wrote in his decision.
“The Court is a fair, impartial and apolitical institution.”
While Merchan sought to avoid the appearance of political bias, some critics have argued that such thinking offers Trump special treatment based on his status in national politics.
Trump, meanwhile, has argued the mere fact of the case is prejudicial to his re-election bid this November.
On his Truth Social platform on Friday, he wrote, “This case should be rightfully terminated, as we prepare for the Most Important Election in the History of our Country.”
The new sentencing date is set for exactly three weeks after the November 5 election.
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