(AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)
An appeals court judge rejected Donald Trump’s attempt to delay his hush money criminal trial. It was the former president’s second failed attempt to delay the trial.
The latest request for a stay centered around a gag order issued to Trump by Judge Juan Merchan, which the former president’s lawyer argued was “unconstitutional.” They requested a delay while that gag order was appealed.
Trump has called Merchan “corrupt” and called for him to be removed from the case.
The gag order was expanded days after being ordered to prevent Trump from making comments attacking court staff and their family members. This followed the former president calling Merchan’s daughter a “rabid Trump hater.” The gag order also covers jurors, witnesses, and more.
Trump has indicated he plans on a lawsuit against Merchan over the gag order.
Justice Cynthia Kern’s denial of Trump’s request comes only a day after Judge Lizabeth Gonzalez denied a separate request for a delay while Trump tries to move venues out of Manhattan.
Trump is facing more than 30 counts of falsifying business records. The records stem from a hush money payment allegedly made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged affair.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty.
Jury selection is set to begin in Trump’s criminal trial on April 15.
