NEW YORK — A judge on Friday postponed the sentencing in Donald Trump’s hush-money case, scheduling a hearing for prosecutors and defense lawyers to discuss next steps.
Following Trump’s recent election victory, and the resulting uncertainty in the case, the November 26 sentencing date was deemed untenable. Judge Juan M. Merchan’s order formalized the postponement without setting a new date.
He requested further submissions from both sides within the next two and a half weeks regarding the appropriate course of action given Trump’s imminent return to the White House.
Trump’s legal team is seeking an outright and immediate dismissal of the case, arguing that proceeding would disrupt his presidential transition and duties.
Prosecutors have indicated a willingness to delay sentencing, possibly for the duration of his presidency, but oppose dismissal. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated the resolution must balance presidential responsibilities with upholding the jury’s verdict.
Bragg’s office declined to comment on Friday’s ruling. Trump spokesperson and incoming White House communications director Steven Cheung praised the decision as a “decisive win” for Trump.
Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to conceal payments totaling $130,000 made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. These payments, facilitated by Trump’s then-lawyer, were made in the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign.
The payment aimed to silence Daniels about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier. Trump denies the encounter and maintains his innocence.