The ongoing legal battle between Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Judge Juan Merchan, and President-elect Donald Trump has reached a critical juncture. On January 6, Trump’s legal team filed a two-fold motion to delay the January 10 sentencing hearing, arguing that the proceedings violate the doctrine of presidential immunity. This legal doctrine has been reinforced by the US Supreme Court’s recent decision, which bolsters Trump’s claim that no further legal action should proceed until the appellate courts resolve the matter. Despite these arguments, Judge Merchan swiftly denied Trump’s request for a stay, further intensifying the legal and political clash.

The charges against Trump stem from a 38-count indictment issued by a grand jury, primarily focused on payments made to Stormy Daniels. Trump’s legal team initially filed a Motion to Vacate the Jury Verdict and a Motion to Dismiss the indictment, arguing that these charges were inherently flawed and unconstitutional. However, Judge Merchan rejected these motions in an 18-page opinion, declaring that the evidence and arguments presented by the Manhattan DA’s office were sufficient to proceed.

Trump’s legal strategy hinges on the principle of presidential immunity, which has long shielded sitting and former presidents from prosecution for official acts performed during their tenure. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on this matter has strengthened Trump’s legal argument, suggesting that any proceedings based on actions tied to his presidency are impermissible.

In his two-fold motion filed on January 6, Trump’s legal team requested a stay of the........

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