Donald Trump's legal team has requested that Judge Juan Merchan delay his sentencing in the hush money case until after the November 2024 presidential election, arguing that a September 18 sentencing would constitute election interference. Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, cited the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity as a basis for this request, asserting that a delay would allow Trump to consider his appellate options following the judge's ruling on a motion to overturn the verdict scheduled for September 16. The defense also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest regarding Judge Merchan, noting his daughter's ties to Democratic campaigns. Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to conceal payments made to Stormy Daniels in 2016, and his legal team believes the case is politically motivated. Despite the request for a delay, Merchan previously stated that the September sentencing date remains unchanged. The legal proceedings continue to unfold against the backdrop of Trump's ongoing presidential campaign.