A New York judge has once again delayed Donald Trump’s sentencing in his historic criminal case, as legal battles continue over the conviction. Trump, who was found guilty in May of 34 felony fraud counts, was originally scheduled to be sentenced on November 26, just weeks before his presidential inauguration.
Trump’s legal team argues that the conviction should be dismissed, citing presidential immunity and the potential interference with his duties as president. The Manhattan District Attorney, who prosecuted the case, has maintained that sentencing is appropriate but has suggested it could be postponed until after Trump’s second term.
On Friday, Justice Juan Merchan temporarily paused proceedings, giving both sides until December to present further arguments. Trump’s team called the delay a victory. “In a decisive win for President Trump, the hoax Manhattan case is now fully stayed and sentencing is adjourned,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director.
The court now faces time pressure to determine the next steps, as Trump’s inauguration in late January approaches.
In May, a New York jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records in relation to refunds made to his personal lawyer for a hush-money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment, made shortly before the 2016 election, was intended to silence claims of a sexual encounter, which prosecutors argued constituted election interference.
Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing, calling the case politically motivated and maintaining that no such encounter occurred.
Since Trump’s recent election victory on November 5, his legal team has intensified efforts to overturn the conviction. His attorney, Todd Blanche, has demanded the case’s immediate dismissal, arguing that the US Constitution and the Presidential Transition Act require such an outcome.
In July, the US Supreme Court ruled that presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for certain official acts undertaken while in office. Trump’s lawyers are now seeking to extend those protections to his New York case.
The Manhattan District Attorney has opposed dismissing the conviction but acknowledged the constitutional complexities involved. He also suggested that sentencing could be delayed until after Trump’s presidency ends in 2029.
Justice Merchan has ordered Trump’s legal team to submit their full arguments for dismissal by December 2, with prosecutors required to respond by December 9. The judge will not accept further replies after these deadlines.
