[LAUREN TAYLOR]
A NEW YORK JUDGE HAS DENIED FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S REQUEST TO DELAY HIS TRIAL OVER A “HUSH MONEY” PAYMENT — UNTIL AFTER THE U.S. SUPREME COURT DECIDES ON HIS PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY CLAIM — SAYING TRUMP TOOK TOO LONG TO BRING UP THIS ARGUMENT.
TRUMP’S TRIAL, LINKED TO A 130-THOUSAND DOLLAR PAYMENT — MADE TO ADULT FILM STAR STORMY DANIELS BEFORE THE 20-16 ELECTION — IS SET TO BEGIN ON APRIL 15TH.
IN HIS DECISION WEDNESDAY — MANHATTAN JUDGE JUAN MERCHAN CALLED THE DELAY REQUEST “UNTIMELY,” NOTING TRUMP’S TEAM HAD AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE THE IMMUNITY ISSUE EARLIER.
TRUMP’S LEGAL TEAM HAS YET TO COMMENT ON THE JUDGE’S RULING.
TRUMP FACES 34 FELONY COUNTS OF FALSIFICATION OF BUSINESS RECORDS IN THE CASE.
TRUMP IS ALSO FACING CHARGES IN SEVERAL OTHER CRIMINAL CASES — INCLUDING THOSE RELATED TO CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS AND ELECTION INTERFERENCE — WITH TRIALS PENDING IN FLORIDA, WASHINGTON, D.C., AND GEORGIA.
HE HAS PLEADED NOT GUILTY TO ALL CHARGES.