Trump is attempting to delay Friday’s court hearing for his hush money case.

Former President Donald Trump has requested a delay in his sentencing for a hush money conviction, scheduled for this Friday. Trump’s legal team is appealing two rulings by Judge Juan Merchan that denied attempts to dismiss the case. The defense is arguing that the sentencing should be postponed while the appeals process unfolds.

This development coincides with Trump’s certification as the winner of the 2024 presidential election.

The timing is significant, as it marks exactly four years since Trump’s previous controversial efforts to contest his electoral defeat in 2020, which culminated in the violent events at the U.S. Capitol.

Judge Merchan recently rejected Trump’s argument that his election as president should nullify the conviction. The judge affirmed that the sentencing would proceed but clarified that Trump would not face jail time.

Trump’s lawyers have called for an urgent stay of the proceedings, requesting a decision from the court by Monday afternoon.

In a filing, Trump’s team stated, "The Court should vacate the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025, and suspend all further deadlines in the case until President Trump’s immunity appeals are fully and finally resolved, which should result in a dismissal of this case, which should have never been brought in the first place."

The case stems from Trump’s conviction in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records. 

The charges relate to payments made to Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, to reimburse a $130,000 payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment was allegedly made to prevent Daniels from speaking about an affair with Trump before the 2016 presidential election, a claim Trump has consistently denied.

Originally, Trump’s sentencing was scheduled for July but was postponed following a Supreme Court ruling addressing presidential immunity.

Despite Trump’s subsequent attempts to dismiss the case under the same immunity claim, Judge Merchan ruled last month that the argument was insufficient to warrant dismissal.

As Trump prepares for his second term as president, the legal and political implications of his conviction continue to draw significant attention.

While the judge’s assurance that Trump will not serve jail time mitigates some immediate consequences, the appeals process and its resolution remain critical to the broader impact of the case on his political future.

Trump’s legal strategy reflects his ongoing effort to challenge the legitimacy of the proceedings, framing them as politically motivated.

His lawyers maintain that the charges should not have been pursued, citing Trump’s position as president and his assertion of immunity.

This latest legal maneuver adds another layer of complexity to Trump’s post-election landscape.

As he re-enters the presidency, the case underscores the ongoing intersection of legal battles and political ambitions that have defined much of Trump’s public life.