In a major development, Judge Juan Merchan has indefinitely postponed sentencing in the controversial New York “hush money” case against President-elect Donald J. Trump. This move allows Trump’s legal team until December 2 to file a motion to dismiss, a decision that signals potential cracks in the case.
Trump’s legal victory comes after a turbulent trial earlier this year, in which he was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The charges stemmed from allegations of hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. However, significant questions have emerged about the validity of the case, compounded by Trump’s sweeping win in the 2024 presidential election.
The prosecution, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, relied heavily on testimony from Michael Cohen, a former Trump attorney who has admitted to perjury in past proceedings. The case has been criticized for its reliance on disputed evidence, including materials from Trump’s tenure in the White House.
The recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity further complicated the legal landscape. In a separate federal case, the Court found in Trump’s favor, affirming that certain actions taken while in office are shielded from legal scrutiny. This precedent has cast doubt on the New York case, as some evidence presented during the trial appears to fall under the umbrella of presidential immunity.
Judge Merchan’s decision to entertain a motion to dismiss reflects the evolving legal dynamics surrounding the case. Legal analysts note that the immunity ruling could undermine critical aspects of the prosecution’s argument, leaving the case on uncertain footing.
Trump’s resounding victory in the 2024 election adds another layer of complexity. If sentencing proceeds, it would mark the first time in U.S. history that a sitting president faces criminal penalties. Experts speculate that Judge Merchan’s indefinite delay may signal an effort to avoid a constitutional crisis.
“This is uncharted territory,” said constitutional scholar Alan Dershowitz. “A sitting president being sentenced would present significant legal and political challenges.”
Some legal experts believe Judge Merchan may ultimately dismiss the case, citing potential overreach by the Manhattan DA’s office and the political implications of targeting a newly elected president.
For District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the delay represents a significant setback. Critics have long accused Bragg of pursuing the case as a politically motivated effort to undermine Trump’s 2024 campaign. The indefinite postponement not only stalls any potential sentencing but also calls into question the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.
Bragg’s office now faces the daunting task of countering the motion to dismiss while grappling with the implications of the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling. Per Judge Merchan’s order, Bragg’s team will have until December 16 to respond to the defense’s filing.
The delay has further energized Trump’s supporters, who view the case as a politically driven attack. Trump himself has seized on the development, framing it as vindication of his claims that he is the victim of a “witch hunt.”
“This is another win for the American people who see through the corruption of the radical left,” Trump said in a statement. “Justice will prevail, and this case will collapse under its own weight.”
The case has also drawn criticism from bipartisan legal experts, who question the wisdom of pursuing charges that intersect with broader constitutional issues, particularly given the precedent set by the Supreme Court.
As the December 2 deadline for Trump’s motion to dismiss approaches, all eyes will be on how his legal team crafts their argument. If successful, the motion could lead to the dismissal of the case, potentially sparing Trump from further legal entanglements as he prepares to assume office in January 2025.
Judge Merchan’s decision to delay sentencing indefinitely represents a pivotal moment in the case, reflecting the complex interplay of legal precedent, political implications, and constitutional questions. While Trump’s legal team celebrates the delay as a victory, the ultimate resolution remains uncertain, ensuring that this case will remain a focal point of national attention in the weeks to come.
BREAKING: It’s official. Trump’s sentencing in New York is canceled indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/PL45QlCrGO
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) November 22, 2024
