Donald Trump’s sentencing in the New York hush money case, initially scheduled for November 26, has been indefinitely postponed as the court navigates legal complexities surrounding his recent election win and presidential immunity.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has agreed to delay the sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump following his conviction on charges related to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. The move comes as a Manhattan judge considers whether to dismiss the case entirely in light of Trump’s election victory.
Prosecution Agrees to Sentencing Freeze
Prosecutors revealed Tuesday they would not oppose Trump’s request to pause sentencing, initially scheduled for November 26. Court filings from Bragg’s office indicate the sentencing could be delayed until December or later, making it unlikely Trump will face sentencing before his inauguration on January 20.
Judge Juan Merchan, presiding over the case, is expected to approve the delay while both sides address Trump’s claim that a sitting president is immune from prosecution.
Potential Dismissal of Conviction
The case hinges on whether July’s Supreme Court ruling granting immunity to presidents for “official acts” extends to Trump’s conviction. Trump’s attorneys argue the trial was “tainted” by evidence from his first term in office and that the conviction should be overturned entirely.
If Judge Merchan sides with Trump, the conviction could be dismissed altogether, rendering the sentencing moot.
“This is a total and definitive victory for President Trump and the American People who elected him in a landslide,” Trump Communications Director Steven Cheung reacted: “The Manhattan DA has conceded that this Witch Hunt cannot continue. The lawless case is now stayed, and President Trump’s legal team is moving to get it dismissed once and for all”.
Background on the Case
Trump was convicted in May of concealing a $130,000 hush money payment made by his former attorney Michael Cohen to Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. During the trial, Trump endured weeks of testimony, including claims of a brief 2006 affair from Daniels and damaging testimony from Cohen, his ex-fixer.
The case initially appeared to pose a significant threat to Trump’s campaign. However, his legal team’s latest maneuvers have positioned him to return to the White House largely unscathed by the criminal charges.
What’s Next?
Judge Merchan’s ruling, expected soon, will determine whether Trump’s conviction is upheld or dismissed. If dismissed, it would remove a major legal hurdle for the incoming president. If upheld, Trump’s sentencing could still be delayed until after his inauguration.
