In a setback for former President Donald Trump, a New York appeals court judge has denied his request to postpone his upcoming criminal trial while he appeals a gag order imposed on him. The trial, scheduled to commence on April 15, involves charges related to the falsification of business records in connection with hush money payments made during the 2016 election campaign.
Trump’s Last-Ditch Effort
Trump’s legal team had filed a motion on Monday seeking to delay the trial, citing objections to a gag order issued by Justice Juan Merchan, who presides over the case. The order prohibits Trump from attacking potential witnesses, attorneys, court personnel, or their families. Merchan expanded the order last week to include restrictions on criticism aimed at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s family members and Merchan himself, following Trump’s public remarks targeting Merchan’s daughter.
Legal Maneuvering Continues
Associate Justice Cynthia Kern’s decision to deny Trump’s request means that his appeal will be considered by a full panel of five appeals court judges. However, this process is unlikely to conclude before the trial’s scheduled start date. Kern outlined a timeline extending into May for the submission of court filings by the involved parties.
Ongoing Challenges
This ruling follows another rejection of Trump’s attempt to delay the trial on different grounds, which sought to postpone proceedings until a decision was reached on relocating the case outside of Manhattan. Despite these setbacks, Trump’s legal team continues to pursue various avenues to delay or alter the course of the trial.
Implications and Next Steps
With the trial proceeding as scheduled, Trump faces mounting legal challenges in the hush money case, which he has dismissed as a “hoax.” The denial of his request for a delay underscores the legal obstacles ahead as he grapples with the charges brought against him.
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