Judge Merchan adjourns Trump sentencing in hush money case

Judge Merchan delays Trump sentencing after his election win, as prosecutors evaluate the impact on hush money case.

Judge Juan Merchan, overseeing President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money trial in New York City, has adjourned the November 26 sentencing date, according to investigative journalist Laura Loomer.

This decision follows Trump’s recent electoral victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, leaving the case’s future in question.

BREAKING:

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Judge Merchan, the crooked judge overseeing President Trump’s hush money trial in NYC, just ADJOURNED President Trump’s November 26th sentencing date. pic.twitter.com/yWQnQBKfnp

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) November 19, 2024

Prosecutors were expected to inform the judge on Tuesday whether the criminal case involving falsified business records should proceed to sentencing or be dismissed. Trump’s legal team has pushed for dismissal, citing his electoral win as a complicating factor. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office had opposed this request but asked Merchan to delay his ruling to evaluate the case's viability post-election.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records. The charges stem from a $130,000 payment made by his former attorney Michael Cohen to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to silence claims of an alleged affair.

Merchan granted the DA’s office one week to assess the situation. If the case proceeds, Trump’s sentencing could be delayed until after he leaves the White House in over four years. Prosecutors have indicated that any potential jail sentence would not be served during his presidency.

Two separate federal cases against Trump are also expected to be dismissed, given his ability to influence the Department of Justice, which traditionally does not prosecute sitting presidents. This leaves Trump’s legal fate uncertain but significantly impacted by his return to the White House.