Justice Juan Merchan, overseeing Donald Trump’s hush money case, denied Trump’s request to delay Monday’s trial.
Trump claimed media bias and difficulty in finding an impartial jury in Manhattan.
Merchan ruled against an indefinite delay, noting Trump’s own role in generating publicity about his legal issues.
Prosecutors argued against a delay, stating that questioning potential jurors could find fair ones. Trump, the Republican candidate, faces an expected election rematch with Democratic incumbent Joe Biden.
Trump’s campaign spokesman vowed to continue fighting the trial and other legal challenges.
Three state appeals court judges rejected Trump’s arguments for a delay earlier this week. Trump has pleaded not guilty in four criminal cases.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case would mark the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president.
Prosecutors allege Trump covered up $130,000 in payments to Stormy Daniels, which Trump denies. His lawyers argue the payments were legitimate legal expenses.
The hush money case could be Trump’s only criminal trial before November’s election.
