A New York state judge has paused further action on President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction over hush money payments made to a porn star, reflecting on the constitutional complexities of prosecuting a sitting president.
Justice Juan Merchan halted any decision on vacating Trump’s conviction until at least Nov. 19, acknowledging the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision that shields presidents from prosecution over actions related to their official duties.
The delay follows Trump’s Nov. 5 election win, with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office agreeing to a defense request to reassess how the case proceeds. Trump, convicted in May of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a potential scandal ahead of his 2016 election, has consistently denied the charges and pledged to appeal. The original sentencing date of Nov. 26 remains, though legal analysts anticipate further postponement due to Trump’s upcoming January inauguration.
Merchan’s order grants prosecutors until Nov. 19 to propose next steps. “The People agree that these are unprecedented circumstances,” the district attorney’s office stated, recognizing the legal implications of Trump’s return to public office.
The case centers on a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to prevent the release of her alleged affair with Trump in 2006, which Trump denies. Trump’s attorneys argue the conviction should be dismissed in light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity, which restricts the use of official acts as evidence in personal conduct cases.
Defense lawyer Emil Bove contended that dismissal is crucial to avoid obstructing Trump’s presidential duties. “The stay, and dismissal, are necessary to avoid unconstitutional impediments to President Trump’s ability to govern,” Bove wrote.
Chioma Kalu
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