Supreme Court denies Trump's bid to delay sentencing
The Supreme Court of the United States has refused to delay the sentencing announcement for former President Donald Trump, who a state court in New York convicted. The case involves the payment of "hush money" to Stormy Daniels. Trump sought to postpone the sentencing until after the presidential elections.
In May this year, Donald Trump, currently running for the office of President of the United States representing the Republican Party, was found guilty of 34 offences related to concealing the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels concerning their alleged affair. According to the prosecution, this action was intended to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential elections.
In April, New York Judge Juan Merchan, overseeing Trump's case, imposed a "gag order" on the former president, preventing him from publicly discussing the jurors, witnesses, and families of the judge and prosecutors. Violating this order could result in a fine of up to £800 or imprisonment for up to 30 days. Trump repeatedly breached this order and was fined.
Judges rejected the motion
According to Reuters, the judges rejected a motion from the state of Missouri, filed on 3 July, claiming that the case against Trump violates the United States Constitution's guarantee of the voters' right to hear from the Republican presidential candidate.
According to Missouri's Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey, the judge's decision regarding the "gag order" restricts Trump's right to free speech during his election campaign. Furthermore, he argues that the potential sentence might affect Trump's ability to travel across the United States.
Will Trump go to prison?
Judge Merchan on 2 July postponed the sentencing hearing for the former president from 11 July to 18 September. During this time, the court will consider Trump's motion to annul the verdict due to the partial immunity that protects the president.
The Supreme Court ruled on 1 July that presidents are protected by immunity for actions integral to performing their official duties. However, it also added that these actions cannot serve as incriminating evidence against the president regarding other charges.
Most commentators do not expect Trump to be sentenced to prison; possible scenarios include house arrest or supervision. After the verdict is announced, Trump will be able to appeal, and until then, he will remain free.
Trump is the first president in U.S. history to be convicted in a criminal case.
