In a recent development, a New York judge rejected Donald Trump's request to postpone his trial, set for April 15, regarding hush money paid to a porn star. This denial comes as Trump sought a delay until the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on his claim to presidential immunity in a separate criminal case. The former president asserts that he is immune from federal prosecution in his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. However, Justice Juan Merchan ruled that Trump had waited too long to raise this issue, stating that "Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024."
Trump's defense team argued that delaying the trial was relevant because prosecutors aimed to present evidence of statements he made while in office from 2017 to 2021. Despite this setback, Trump, who has pleaded not guilty in four criminal cases, including the New York indictment, continues to maintain his innocence. The case in New York involves allegations of falsifying business records to conceal a payment made to Stormy Daniels, also known as Stephanie Clifford, to maintain her silence about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump, which he denies.
Amidst his legal battles, Trump faces challenges in ensuring a fair trial, as he seeks to delay proceedings due to extensive media coverage, which he claims has biased potential jurors. Prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office countered this, arguing that they could select an impartial jury despite Trump's high-profile status and media presence.
Trump's legal troubles extend beyond the New York case. He also confronts a state case in Georgia over election result challenges and a federal case in Florida regarding government document handling after leaving office in 2021. These cases do not have set trial dates yet.
The Supreme Court's decision to hear Trump's appeal in the federal election interference case marks a significant victory for him, as it delays the trial by several months. If the trial proceeds, Trump would be the first U.S. president to face a criminal trial, marking a historic legal challenge.
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