Fri Nov 22 20:35:06 UTC 2024: ## Trump’s Sentencing Indefinitely Delayed Amidst Presidential Immunity Claim
**New York, November 23, 2024** – President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing in the Manhattan hush-money case has been indefinitely delayed. Judge Juan Merchan granted a stay of the November 26th sentencing date, citing the unprecedented circumstances of Trump’s upcoming return to the White House.
Trump’s legal team argued that a recent Supreme Court ruling granting presidents broad immunity for official acts justifies halting the proceedings. They successfully leveraged this ruling, a move described by Trump’s communications director Steven Cheung as a “decisive win.” Cheung further claimed the delay represents a “landslide victory” reflecting public support for Trump’s return to office.
Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal a payment made to a porn star before the 2016 election. Prosecutors argued this action was intended to influence the election. While acknowledging the “unprecedented circumstances,” New York state prosecutors had urged a balancing of the jury’s verdict and Trump’s election.
The delay allows Trump to pursue having the conviction overturned, potentially leading to further delays once he assumes office. This development follows Trump’s repeated denouncement of the case as a “witch hunt.”
Trump also faces two ongoing federal cases: one regarding his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and another concerning alleged mishandling of classified documents. While deadlines in the election interference case have been vacated, the case remains open in line with Justice Department policy. The documents case was dismissed by a Trump-appointed judge, but an appeal is pending. As president, Trump could potentially end these cases.
First Piper 