Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan signaled on Friday that he is considering a dismissal of President-elect Trump’s conviction in the hush money case, effectively freezing the legal proceedings indefinitely. The decision, which grants Trump’s legal team the opportunity to argue for dismissal, marks a significant turn in the only criminal case to yield a conviction against the former president.
The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, involved 34 felony counts related to alleged falsification of business records to conceal a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. Trump’s attorneys have long argued that the charges lack merit, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. They contend Trump’s reimbursement to Michael Cohen for the payment occurred while he was in office, shielding him from prosecution.
President Trump’s sentencing in the New York case has been delayed indefinitely by Merchan and a motion to dismiss the case entirely has been allowed to go forward. pic.twitter.com/zSYAjuvMnM
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 22, 2024
Judge Merchan’s ruling comes after repeated delays in sentencing, the latest of which adjourned a November 26 deadline indefinitely. “The above constitutes the Decision and Order of the Court,” Merchan wrote, indicating that further motions from both Trump’s defense and Bragg’s office would need to be reviewed before any sentencing could proceed. This marks the third adjournment in just two weeks, signaling Merchan’s apparent skepticism about the case’s viability.
Observers note that Bragg’s request to delay sentencing until after Trump leaves office was a last-ditch effort to preserve the case. Critics viewed it as a strategic move to avoid complicating Trump’s ability to serve as president. However, Merchan’s latest ruling suggests the judge is unwilling to entertain a prolonged legal battle over a conviction already mired in controversy.
Legal experts have pointed out the challenges of prosecuting a former—or sitting—president, particularly in a high-profile case involving charges widely criticized as politically motivated. “Merchan doesn’t have the stomach to imprison a former president or president-elect,” said former prosecutor Neama Rahmani. With Trump’s sweeping electoral victory, Rahmani added, the momentum behind Bragg’s case has dissipated.
Since the election, Trump has largely ignored the case, focusing instead on announcing key appointments to his administration and advancing his transition agenda. This strategy has shifted media attention away from the courtroom drama, leaving Bragg’s office struggling to keep the case in the public eye.
If Merchan ultimately dismisses the conviction, it will underscore Trump’s resilience in the face of unprecedented legal challenges and solidify his position as a political force capable of weathering even the most determined opposition. For now, the case remains on life support, with Trump moving forward while his legal adversaries falter.
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