Judge Postpones Sentencing in Trump's "Hush Money" Case

President-elect Donald Trump's sentencing for his May criminal conviction has been postponed yet again, marking the third delay in this high-profile case. The decision by Justice Juan Merchan on Friday extends the timeline, leaving Trump’s fate unresolved since his historic conviction earlier this year.

Justice Merchan granted Trump's legal team until December 2 to file a motion to dismiss the case entirely. Trump’s attorneys argue that his election to the presidency invalidates the proceedings, claiming that continuing the case would violate constitutional principles.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, led by Alvin Bragg, did not oppose delaying sentencing, even suggesting it could wait until after Trump’s presidency. However, prosecutors have firmly stated they will challenge any motion to dismiss the case.

The conviction stems from a jury's unanimous decision in May, making Trump the first former U.S. president in history to be found guilty of criminal charges. The jury concluded that Trump committed 34 felonies related to falsifying business records. These charges are tied to a $130,000 "hush money" payment made by Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 election. Cohen testified that the payment was intended to buy Daniels’ silence about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump — an allegation Trump has consistently denied.

Despite his conviction, Trump achieved another historic first on November 5, becoming the only person in U.S. history to be elected president after being convicted of crimes. Trump continues to insist on his innocence, denying Daniels’ allegations and claiming the charges are politically motivated.

The case remains a flashpoint in Trump’s contentious legal and political career, raising questions about the intersection of law and politics. With the sentencing delayed once more, the legal battle over Trump’s conviction is set to continue, adding another layer of complexity to an already unprecedented presidency.