A New York judge in a major development in the legal proceedings against President-elect Donald Trump has indefinitely postponed the sentencing in his criminal case related to hush money payments.
The decision was made by Judge Juan Merchan, who agreed to delay the planned November 26 sentencing date, allowing Trump's legal team more time to file a motion to dismiss the case entirely. This move is seen as a strategic win for Trump, who is set to return to the White House in January.
The case stems from Trump's conviction in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. These charges were linked to a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign, intended to keep her silent about an alleged affair with Trump.
Despite the jury's unanimous verdict, Trump's attorneys argue that the case should be dismissed due to his recent election as president, citing constitutional concerns over prosecuting a sitting president.
The U.S. Department of Justice has indicated it will wind down two federal prosecutions against Trump, adhering to its policy against prosecuting a sitting president. Additionally, proceedings in a Georgia criminal trial accusing Trump of attempting to corrupt the 2020 election results are also on hold.
Judge Merchan has set deadlines for further legal arguments, with Trump's lawyers required to submit their motion to dismiss by December 2, and prosecutors given until December 9 to respond.
The judge's decision to delay sentencing reflects ongoing debates over unprecedented legal questions, including the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling that expanded presidential immunity protections.
Trump's legal team, led by communications director Steven Cheung, has hailed the postponement as a "decisive win," reiterating claims that the trials are politically motivated. Meanwhile, Trump's conviction has become a focal point in his campaign, with his team leveraging it as a fundraising tool and a topic of discussion at rallies.
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