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Judge Merchan’s Ruling on Trump’s Claims of Presidential Immunity
Judge Merchan unequivocally dismissed Trump’s assertions of presidential immunity as belated attempts to bar evidence from his Manhattan criminal trial. In his ruling, Merchan highlighted that Trump’s arguments were strikingly similar to those presented months earlier, emphasizing the former president’s strategic delay in raising this defense.
Moreover, Merchan pointed out that Trump had prior knowledge of the prosecution’s intent to introduce evidence of his alleged “pressure campaign” against witnesses. Despite this awareness, Trump failed to demonstrate sufficient cause for the delayed filing of his defense. The court emphasized that Trump had ample opportunities to raise the issue of presidential immunity well before the specified date, further undermining his credibility in seeking last-minute exclusions of critical evidence.
Implications for Trump’s Legal Strategy
Trump’s maneuvers to eliminate evidence related to payments made to Michael Cohen during his presidency to silence Stormy Daniels face significant setbacks following Judge Merchan’s ruling. With the impending criminal trial approaching swiftly, Trump’s chances of securing favorable outcomes through last-minute delays or exclusions have dwindled.
As the trial looms closer, Trump’s transition from ex-president to criminal defendant appears imminent. The absence of further opportunities for stalling tactics underscores the impending legal predicament awaiting Trump, as judicial scrutiny intensifies around his past actions and decisions.
To escalate pressure on Trump and compel his focused engagement with the legal proceedings, the court may consider revoking his bail, signaling the gravity of the situation and the imperative for full compliance with the judicial process.
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