Trump's defense lawyer, Todd Blanche, said that continuing the trial at the scheduled time would be unfair, citing other legal obligations. However, Judge Merchan rejected this request, saying that the date had already been set earlier, and therefore the lawyer was not ready to commit, the newspaper reported. NBC News.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges, calling them part of a “political witch hunt” aimed at affecting his potential 2024 presidential bid.
The timing of the trial came into question when a judge scheduled the last hearing for March 4 in the federal election interference case filed by Trump in Washington. This hearing was postponed while the US Supreme Court hears Trump's appeal of presidential immunity. Another federal case involving mishandling of national security information is scheduled for May, while the racketeering case in Georgia has no trial date, with prosecutors pushing for an August date.
While Trump has denied having any sexual relationship with Daniels, the prosecutor said Trump falsified business records during the 2016 election to hide banking details of hush money paid to the woman.
Since both charges carry a prison sentence of up to four years, legal analysts have expressed mixed opinions about the possibility of Trump being sentenced to prison. Some say the risks are high and a prison sentence is possible, while others say it's unlikely. The outcome of the trial is awaited with great interest, given its impact on Trump's political future and the unprecedented nature of the legal proceedings against a former US president.
COVER PHOTO: Former US President Donald Trump arrives at a pre-trial hearing in a bribery case in Manhattan Criminal Court on February 15, 2024 in New York. Image source: 2024 Getty Images
