Judge Drops Bombshell: Trump’s Hush Money Sentencing Delayed Indefinitely

In a significant legal development, New York Judge Juan Merchan has indefinitely postponed the sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump in a criminal case, originally scheduled for November 26. The decision allows Trump’s legal team to file a motion to dismiss the case, marking another legal win for Trump as he prepares to return to the White House in January.

Legal Proceedings on Hold

The postponement is the latest twist in a case that has already seen delays, with Trump’s lawyers and District Attorney Alvin Bragg both pushing for time to argue their respective positions. Bragg has indicated that sentencing could potentially be deferred until after Trump’s term ends in 2028, citing the unique legal questions posed by Trump’s presidency. This pause follows broader developments in Trump’s legal battles, including the Department of Justice scaling back two federal prosecutions tied to his alleged efforts to retain power post-2020 election and the handling of classified documents. Similarly, proceedings in Georgia regarding alleged election interference have also been stalled.

Motion to Dismiss Hinges on Presidential Immunity

Trump’s legal team is leveraging a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that grants immunity to presidents for official acts performed while in office. They argue that key evidence and witness testimonies in the hush-money case, including statements made during Trump’s presidency, violate this principle. The prosecutors, however, contend that the jury’s deliberations predate the Supreme Court ruling and should be considered valid. Still, Bragg acknowledged the complexities of prosecuting a president-elect, signaling a willingness to respect the office while navigating uncharted legal territory. Under Merchan’s order, Trump’s lawyers must file their dismissal motion by December 2, with prosecutors required to respond by December 9.

Political and Legal Implications

Trump, convicted in May 2023 of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, has turned his legal challenges into political ammunition. His campaign has raised millions following the guilty verdict and frequently references his trials during events. The conviction stems from allegations that Trump falsified records to cover up a $130,000 hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. The prosecutors argued this violated New York election laws by conspiring to influence the election through unlawful means.

The jury’s unanimous verdict followed weeks of testimony from 22 witnesses and the review of evidence such as phone records and payments to Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen. While the facts of the payments were undisputed, prosecutors needed to prove Trump falsified records to commit another crime. Despite the conviction, Trump and his team continue to claim the case is politically motivated. His communications director, Steven Cheung, labeled the charges a “hoax” and asserted that the delays reflect Trump’s growing momentum as he focuses on his 2024 campaign.

As legal and political stakes intertwine, the postponement of sentencing ensures that the spotlight on Trump’s legal battles will remain a focal point well into his presidency.