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As of today, November 12, a New York state judge has hit the brakes, pausing further action on Donald Trump’s conviction related to alleged hush money payments. The decision, made by Justice Juan Merchan—who is presiding over Trump’s criminal case in Manhattan and previously oversaw his May 2024 conviction on 34 felony counts—delays the proceedings for a week. This move has brought relief to Trump supporters and others who question the case’s validity in light of Trump’s recent election victory.
In a move that aligns with the U.S. Supreme Court’s July decision on presidential immunity, Merchan is holding off any ruling until November 19. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office acknowledged that the circumstances are, in their words, “unprecedented,” agreeing to the defense’s request to pause, allowing time to rethink the case given Trump’s November 5 election win.
Trump’s legal team, led by defense lawyer Emil Bove, argued for dismissing the case altogether, citing potential conflicts with his role as the president-elect. “The stay, and dismissal, are necessary to avoid unconstitutional impediments to President Trump's ability to govern,” Bove explained, suggesting that pushing forward with the case would interfere with his presidential duties—a viewpoint validated by the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on executive immunity in matters related to official acts.
Trump, who was found guilty in May on 34 felony counts related to business records involving the hush money payment, has always maintained his innocence, vowing to appeal the verdict. The initial trial revolved around a $130,000 payment made by his former lawyer Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2006, which Trump has consistently denied as a cover-up of any wrongdoing.
With Republicans already holding the majority in the U.S. Senate, Trump’s path back to the White House is clear. The delay in sentencing, currently scheduled for November 26, could signal a larger shift, as legal experts widely predict a pushback of all proceedings in light of Trump’s recent election as president-elect.
Trump supporters across the country see this delay as the beginning of a fairer treatment for the newly re-elected president. It’s a time for celebration, but also for caution, as November 19 will bring the next chapter in this ongoing legal saga. For now, however, the message is clear: the system is taking a pause to respect the voice of the people and reconsider the circumstances of this unique case.
References:
Reuters. (2024, November 12). New York judge pauses Trump conviction case following his presidential election win. Retrieved from Reuters
Supreme Court of the United States. (2023, July). Decision on Presidential Immunity in Official Acts Cases.
National Review Staff. (2024). New York Judge Merchan’s Role in Trump’s Criminal Trial. National Review. Retrieved from National Review
National Public Radio. (2024). Timeline of the Trump Case and Election Developments. NPR. NPR
Schachtel, J. (2024). Coverage on Alvin Bragg’s Prosecution Strategy and Defense Motions in Trump Case. Retrieved from National Review
Merchan, J. (2024). Statement Regarding the Pause in Proceedings Following Trump’s Presidential Election. New York State Supreme Court.
