A recent decision by a New York state judge has temporarily paused any further action on former President Donald Trump’s conviction, stemming from alleged hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
In a court document made public Tuesday, Justice Juan Merchan confirmed that he would hold off on any rulings about possibly overturning Trump’s conviction at least until November 19. This delay comes as the court evaluates the implications of a July Supreme Court decision granting some presidential immunity from prosecution related to official acts.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, led by Alvin Bragg, indicated its support for the defense’s request to pause the proceedings. The DA’s office cited the unique situation of Trump’s recent election victory and the logistical and legal complexities surrounding his return to the presidency in January 2025.
This reprieve allows the prosecution time to decide on its next steps in a case that has sparked national debate about the intersection of presidential duties and personal legal accountability.
Earlier this year, Trump made history by becoming the first former or sitting U.S. president convicted of a crime when a Manhattan jury found him guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
The charges related to efforts to cover up an alleged affair with Daniels shortly before Trump’s 2016 election victory. Trump has consistently denied the affair and pleaded not guilty, and he intends to appeal the conviction following his sentencing, which was initially set for November 26.
However, legal experts widely anticipate that the sentencing will be delayed, particularly after Trump’s recent win over Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election. Given these unprecedented circumstances, both prosecutors and the defense agree that additional time is necessary to examine how the Supreme Court’s ruling might impact Trump’s legal standing.
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The Supreme Court’s decision in July introduced a new layer of complexity to Trump’s case by affirming certain immunities for presidents, specifically when it comes to official acts.
While the court stopped short of providing absolute immunity, it established that evidence related to a president’s official acts cannot be introduced in criminal trials focused on their personal conduct. This ruling marked a significant legal shift, providing limited but notable protection to presidents in the face of criminal prosecution.
Trump’s legal team has argued that the case should be dismissed entirely, asserting that continuing with the conviction would interfere with his presidential duties. Defense attorney Emil Bove emphasized the importance of avoiding potential constitutional barriers to Trump’s ability to govern. “The stay, and dismissal, are necessary to avoid unconstitutional impediments to President Trump’s ability to govern,” Bove argued in court.
At the center of the case is a $130,000 payment Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, allegedly made to Daniels in 2006 to secure her silence regarding a purported affair. Although Daniels has maintained that the encounter took place, Trump has consistently denied it.
Prosecutors now have until November 19 to propose a course of action. They acknowledged that these circumstances are unique and called for careful consideration, recognizing the far-reaching implications of proceeding with the case. The DA’s office stated, “The People agree that these are unprecedented circumstances.”
As the country watches, the legal tug-of-war over Trump’s conviction raises fundamental questions about the scope of presidential immunity, the accountability of national leaders, and the fine line between private and public conduct in the highest office of the United States.
Whether the case will be dismissed entirely, or if sentencing will proceed after a delay, remains to be seen. For now, this pause represents a careful balancing act between the demands of legal justice and the responsibilities of a president-elect preparing to lead the nation once again.