Trump sentencing delayed/ hush money trial/ presidential immunity/ motion to dismiss/ Judge Juan Merchan/ Manhattan DA/ NEW YORK/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The sentencing in Donald Trump’s criminal hush money case has been indefinitely postponed. Judge Juan Merchan approved Trump’s request to file a motion to dismiss the case, with deadlines set for December filings. The judge has also delayed ruling on presidential immunity, pending further review.
Trump Hush Money Sentencing Delay: Quick Looks
- Sentencing Postponed: Judge Juan Merchan indefinitely adjourned Trump’s sentencing, originally set for next week.
- Motion to Dismiss: Trump’s legal team is filing a motion to dismiss the 34-count case by December 2.
- Immunity Argument: Defense claims Trump, as president-elect, is immune from criminal prosecution.
- Prosecution’s Stance: Manhattan DA’s office supports the delay but opposes dismissal of the case.
- No New Date: The court has not scheduled a new sentencing hearing.
Trump Hush Money Sentencing Indefinitely Postponed Amid Legal Motions
Deep Look: Trump’s Sentencing in Hush Money Case Indefinitely Postponed
In a significant development in Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial, Judge Juan Merchan has indefinitely postponed sentencing, originally scheduled for next week. The move comes as Trump’s legal team files a motion to dismiss the case and raises questions of presidential immunity.
Motion to Dismiss and Deadlines
Merchan approved Trump’s request to file a motion to dismiss the case. Trump’s attorneys must submit their paperwork by December 2, with prosecutors required to respond by December 9. Trump’s team had sought a December 20 deadline, but the judge set earlier dates.
The case revolves around 34 counts of falsifying business records tied to alleged hush money payments. Trump’s lawyers argue that, as president-elect, he is immune from criminal prosecution, mirroring the legal protections afforded to a sitting president.
“Just as a sitting President is completely immune from any criminal process, so too is President Trump as President-elect,” attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove wrote in a letter to the court.
Prosecutor and Defense Positions
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office supported delaying the sentencing to allow time for legal arguments but remains opposed to the motion to dismiss. Prosecutors contend that Trump’s status as president-elect does not shield him from accountability in state-level criminal cases.
No New Sentencing Date
Judge Merchan has not set a new date for Trump’s sentencing, leaving the timeline for resolution uncertain. The decision also delays Merchan’s ruling on Trump’s presidential immunity claim until after all filings are reviewed.
Implications of the Delay
The adjournment is the latest in a series of legal maneuvers surrounding Trump’s ongoing cases. The trial has drawn widespread attention due to Trump’s historic status as a former and now president-elect facing criminal charges.
Critics argue that the immunity claim may set a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing future leaders to evade accountability during transition periods. Others view the motion as a strategic delay aimed at deferring legal consequences until Trump assumes office.
What’s Next?
The court will next review the filings in December to determine whether Trump’s case will proceed or be dismissed. The broader implications of this case could extend beyond the hush money allegations, influencing how legal immunity is applied to presidents and president-elects in the future.
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