A New York judge rejected Donald Trump’s request to delay his upcoming trial on hush money charges related to payments made during the 2016 campaign.
Jury selection will begin as scheduled on March 25.
Judge Juan Manuel Merchan noted that the separate DC case on overturning the 2020 election has been delayed pending an appeal on presidential immunity.
Judge Merchan said, “I’m glad I took that position because here we are — the D.C. case did not go forward.”
Trump’s lawyers argued holding the trial in March would interfere with his election efforts, but the judge held firm.
Defense attorney Todd Blanche said, “It is completely election interference to say you are going to sit in this courtroom in Manhattan,” without a legitimate reason.
The six-week New York trial will coincide with primary elections as Trump seeks the GOP nomination.
Trump faces multiple legal battles, including trials in Florida for classified documents and Georgia for election interference, as well as a civil fraud case in New York that could cost him millions.
Trump said, “We want delays. Obviously I’m running for election. How can you run for election if you’re sitting in a courthouse in Manhattan all day long? I’m supposed to be in South Carolina now.”
The charges stem from payments made to Stormy Daniels, Karen McDougal and a doorman to cover up alleged affairs and a child out of wedlock before the 2016 election.
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