Wu further argued that the public interest in sentencing Trump far outweighs his claims of harm. He noted that the trial judge, Justice Juan M. Merchan, has taken steps to minimize potential burdens on Trump as president-elect, including allowing virtual attendance at the sentencing, which is expected to last less than an hour.
Sentencing Delays Under Scrutiny
Prosecutors highlighted that the sentencing, initially scheduled for July 11, 2024, has already been delayed multiple times due to Trump’s legal maneuvers. Wu criticized the delays, stating they were “entirely a function of defendant’s repeated requests to adjourn.”
Trump’s legal team has cited the Supreme Court’s July 1 ruling on presidential immunity to argue for dismissal of the charges and delay in sentencing. That decision established an expansive doctrine of presidential immunity but has not yet been interpreted to apply to presidents-elect.
Sentencing and Case Background
Justice Merchan has indicated he does not intend to impose jail time or other penalties at sentencing. Trump’s lawyers argue that even a short virtual sentencing could interfere with his duties as president-elect, but Wu dismissed this claim as lacking evidence.
