The trial, stemming from New York Attorney General Letitia James’ fraud lawsuit against Trump and his family business, was scheduled to start on 2 October.
Donald Trump’s New York fraud trial has been temporarily halted after the former US president turned the heat on the judge overseeing this case by suing him directly.
The trial, stemming from New York Attorney General Letitia James’ fraud lawsuit against Trump and his family business, was scheduled to start on 2 October.
In the lawsuit, Trump, 77, accused Justice Arthur Engoron, the trial judge, of defying a June court order that could narrow the case against him.
Trump’s lawyers also raised the issue of the judge’s refusal to grant their recent request for a three-week trial delay, which he ruled as “completely without merit”.
A New York state appeals court judge granted an interim stay of the trial on Thursday, and referred the matter to a five-judge panel, which is expected to rule in the last week of September.
The non-jury trial could still begin on 2 October depending on how the appeals court rules. Judge Engoron previously said the trial could last until near Christmas.
Lawyers for Trump did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Ms James said in a statement: “We are confident in our case and will be ready for trial.
