Trump sentencing in hush money case delayed indefinitely

NEW YORK: A New York Supreme Court judge, Juan Merchan, has postponed sentencing for President-elect Donald Trump in the Stormy Daniels hush money case.

The delay is indefinite, and it’s unclear if the case might be dismissed altogether.

The decision comes after both Trump and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg agreed to a stay of sentencing.

Trump was found guilty in May 2024 of 34 felony counts for hiding payments to Daniels, an adult film star with whom he allegedly had a sexual relationship.

Originally, Trump’s sentencing was delayed due to his status as a presidential candidate and a US Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.

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Now, as Trump prepares to take office in January, legal protocols prevent sentencing a sitting president in a way that could interfere with official duties.

If the case isn’t dismissed, the earliest Trump could face sentencing would be January 2029, after his term ends.

However, Trump’s legal team is pushing to overturn the conviction entirely, a move that DA Bragg opposes.

Judge Merchan has directed Trump to file a dismissal request by December 2, with Bragg required to respond by December 9.

Trump’s conviction earlier this year was historic, marking the first time a former US president was found guilty of felonies. In January, he will also become the first sitting president with such a legal record.