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The judge overseeing President-Elect Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial has postponed sentencing, citing the need for additional arguments on whether the case should be dismissed.
Let’s bring you up to speed: Earlier this year, President-Elect Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. The case centered on allegations that Trump reimbursed his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, for payments made to Daniels to prevent her from disclosing an alleged sexual encounter, which Trump has denied. Prosecutors argued that the payments were improperly documented in business records to conceal their true purpose and avoid negative political fallout during the campaign. Trump has consistently claimed the case is politically motivated, labeling it a “witch hunt” and arguing that the charges are part of broader efforts to undermine him.
What’s going on now: Judge Juan Merchan postponed President-Elect Donald Trump’s sentencing in the New York hush-money case, citing the need for additional legal arguments on whether the case should be dismissed. The decision followed a request from Trump’s attorneys, who argued that the charges should be dropped entirely due to presidential immunity protections, which they claim extend to Trump as president-elect. Trump’s lawyers also say that the prosecution of a sitting or incoming president violates constitutional principles and would interfere with the orderly transition of executive power.
What the prosecutors are saying: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his team oppose dismissing the case against President-Elect Trump, arguing that the conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records is valid and should not be overturned. While acknowledging the complexities raised by Trump’s return to the presidency, prosecutors have suggested alternative measures, such as deferring sentencing until after his term in office, rather than outright dismissal. In their filings, prosecutors said they respected the presidency but maintained that constitutional protections should not shield Trump from accountability in this case.
Where things go now: The judge granted a new timeline for filing motions, requiring Trump’s attorneys to submit their arguments by December 2.
Trump’s campaign reacts: In a statement, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said, “President Trump won a landslide victory as the American People have issued a mandate to return him to office and dispose of all remnants of the Witch Hunt cases. A”l of the s”am lawfare attacks against President Trump are now destroyed and we are focused on Making America Great Again.”
