Trump’s Hush Money Case Sentencing Delayed, Impacting Presidential Race

WASHINGTON — A New York judge has postponed the sentencing of former President Donald Trump, who faces felony convictions, until after the upcoming presidential election. Judge Juan Merchan announced the new date will be Nov. 26.

Merchan commented on the complexities surrounding the case, highlighting the looming election and a significant Supreme Court ruling related to presidential immunity that impacts Trump’s legal strategy. He emphasized the decision to delay sentencing aims to ensure impartiality in a politically charged environment, stating, “This is not a decision the court makes lightly but it is the decision which in this court’s view best advances the interests of justice.”

In response, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, labeling the situation a “Witch Hunt” and insisting there was “NO CASE.” He has previously claimed, without evidence, that the White House influenced the New York proceedings.

As a candidate for the Republican nomination and the first former president to be convicted of a felony, Trump’s case stems from 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to hush money payments made during the 2016 election cycle. His legal team argued for a postponement until after the 2024 election, citing unresolved questions about presidential immunity.

This postponement marks the second time Judge Merchan has delayed Trump’s sentencing. The initial July date was pushed back after a Supreme Court ruling suggested that former presidents enjoy a level of criminal immunity for actions taken while in office.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg agreed to the delay, while maintaining that the Supreme Court’s ruling had no impact on the merits of Trump’s convictions. As legal battles unfold, Trump is also challenging accusations related to the 2020 election, with his federal case set to move forward in court amid a pre-trial schedule that extends beyond November.