Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A New York appeals court has granted Donald Trump a temporary delay in his upcoming "hush money" criminal trial, which was scheduled to begin on April 15. The last-minute decision puts the historic trial on hold while a higher court considers Trump's arguments for a longer postponement.
Trump's legal team filed an emergency motion arguing that the trial should not proceed in Manhattan. They claim that intense media coverage and a predominantly Democratic jury pool in the borough make it impossible for the former president to receive a fair trial. They are requesting the trial be moved to a different location.
Furthermore, Trump's lawyers are demanding that the presiding judge, Juan Merchan, be removed from the case. They allege a conflict of interest because the judge's daughter is a political consultant whose firm has worked for prominent Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. They argue this connection creates an appearance of bias against Trump.
A single judge from the appellate court issued the temporary pause, known as a stay, to give a full panel of judges time to hear these arguments. This does not mean the trial has been officially moved or postponed indefinitely; it is a temporary halt to allow for a formal review of Trump's requests.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, has opposed these delay tactics, calling them a desperate, last-ditch effort. Prosecutors argue that the rigorous jury selection process is designed to find impartial jurors, regardless of the location.
This case marks the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign, allegedly to silence her about a past affair.
The decision on whether to grant a longer delay or move the trial now rests with the full appellate court panel, which is expected to consider the matter shortly. The outcome will determine if and when one of the most significant legal battles in American history will proceed.
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