The court postponed Trump’s sentencing, initially set for mid-September, to late November, sparking accusations of election interference, Newsmax reported.

Judge Juan M. Merchan’s decision to delay the sentencing until November 26, exactly three weeks after the 2024 U.S. presidential election, has sparked considerable debate. The new date sharply contrasts with the original sentencing date of September 18, which would have been about seven weeks before Election Day.

Joe DiGenova Criticizes Sentencing Postponement

Newsmax's "American Agenda" featured intense discussion about this scheduling change, with Joe diGenova, former Senate Rules Committee chief counsel, expressing his criticism. DiGenova directly targeted Judge Merchan, questioning his motives behind the decision.

"Judge Merchan is a hack; we begin with that," diGenova stated, setting a confrontational tone. "We're not talking about a real jurist," he added, implying that the judge's decision stemmed from ulterior motives rather than judicial prudence.

Accusations of Election Interference Discussed

DiGenova elaborated on his accusations during the broadcast, suggesting that Judge Merchan might aim to maintain strategic flexibility with his decision-making post-election. "He was very, very sneaky. He decided not to do anything — not because he didn't want to affect the election, but because he wants to have his options open," diGenova explained.

According to diGenova, the delay could enable Judge Merchan to adjust his sentencing based on the election's outcome. "If Trump loses, [Merchan] will probably give him probation. If Trump wins, what he will then do is give him a prison sentence so that he can screw up the certification process in the House of Representatives in January," he speculated.

Implications of Sentencing Delay on Political Processes

DiGenova argues that such a move would represent "election interference of the highest and finest order." His statement underscores how seriously he views the judge's rescheduling, seeing it as a potentially deliberate attempt to influence the aftermath of the presidential election.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Judge Merchan is scheduled to rule on November 12 on Trump’s request to overturn the verdict and dismiss the business documents case. This decision arises from a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, which could significantly affect the outcome of Trump's case.

The broader implications of these judicial decisions are profound, impacting both the integrity of the electoral process and the judicial system's role in political matters. As the sentencing date approaches, public and political scrutiny is likely to intensify, particularly given the election's high stakes and polarized atmosphere.