NEW YORK – Former President Donald Trump arrived at a crucial hearing in a Manhattan court, where his lawyers argued for a delay in the hush money case. Trump, who is facing a 34-count indictment related to falsifying business records, sat between his attorneys as the trial looms. In addition to the upcoming trial, the ex-president also has a looming deadline to cover a $464 million bond in a separate fraud case.
The prosecution alleges that the delay requested by Trump’s legal team is a strategic move and a “red herring.” The defense argues that a last-minute document dump by federal prosecutors warrants a postponement. Judge Juan Merchan will ultimately determine if the trial should be delayed further.
Inside the courtroom, Trump visibly expressed his discontent, scowling at the gallery and the cameras. The hearing drew significant attention, with over 60 journalists present and multiple security officers and Secret Service agents in attendance. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is leading the hush money case against Trump, sat in the second row of the public gallery.
Prior to the hearing, Trump took to social media, criticizing both the fraud fine and the case itself. He claimed the hush money case was coordinated by the White House and demanded its dismissal. Trump also insisted that he should not have to sell his real estate assets, asserting his innocence.
The trial, originally scheduled for March 25, had already been postponed due to the release of over 200,000 pages of evidence from the investigation into Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office maintains that only a fraction of these documents are relevant to the case, arguing for the trial to proceed in April.
This trial is just one of four criminal cases that Trump is facing. He is also accused of election interference in Washington and Florida, with the latter case experiencing delays. Another election interference case in Georgia is pending without a set date. Trump claims to lack the funds to cover the significant legal costs, despite his reported billions in wealth.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has already taken steps to seize Seven Springs, Trump’s golf course and private estate, in an effort led by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. However, Trump could potentially receive a substantial financial boost if his social media company, Truth Social, goes public. The company’s stock market debut could bring in $3.5 billion for Trump, albeit subject to restrictions on selling.