A New York Appeals Court has denied former President Trump's request to delay his trial on charges related to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's investigation into hush-money payments. The trial, scheduled to commence with jury selection on April 15, will proceed as planned.
Trump had sought to postpone the trial, citing concerns about the impartiality of the jury selection process due to extensive media coverage. However, the court ruled against his motion for a delay, stating that a fair and impartial jury could still be selected.
Furthermore, Trump's request to change the trial venue out of New York was also denied by the court. The former president had argued that the trial should be moved to ensure a more neutral setting.
Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan, overseeing the case, previously rejected Trump's plea for a delay pending a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. Trump maintains that he is immune from prosecution for actions taken during his time in office.
In addition to the trial proceedings, Trump's legal team has filed a motion seeking the recusal of Judge Merchan, alleging bias due to his daughter's political affiliations and perceived hostility towards Trump.
Manhattan District Attorney Bragg has charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with hush-money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Despite these legal challenges, the trial is set to move forward, with the court upholding the scheduled start date for jury selection. The case continues to draw significant attention as it unfolds in the New York legal system.