Trump’s Nov. 26 Hush Money Sentencing Adjourned Amidst Presidential Immunity Debate

In a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding Donald Trump, the former president’s Nov. 26 sentencing in his New York hush money case has been adjourned by the court. This decision was made without explanation, as the presiding judge, Juan Merchan, weighs how to proceed in light of Trump’s recent reelection victory.

Trump was convicted by a Manhattan jury in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, related to payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The case could have resulted in a maximum sentence of up to four years in prison. However, the sentencing has been complicated by Trump’s election win and a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that grants presidents presumptive immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in July has introduced significant uncertainty into the case, as it is unclear whether this immunity applies to state convictions. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg‘s office has maintained that the case focuses solely on Trump’s personal behavior, not his actions as president. Despite this, Trump has consistently characterized the case as a politically motivated “witch hunt”.

The adjournment came on the same day Bragg was set to file a recommendation with the court on how to proceed with the case. The delay allows both prosecutors and Trump’s defense team more time to evaluate the impact of his election and the Supreme Court’s ruling on the case. Legal experts speculate that sentencing may not occur anytime soon, given Trump’s impending return to the Oval Office by Jan. 20.