In a pivotal development for former President Donald Trump, now president-elect, the New York judge presiding over his criminal case has postponed a decision on overturning Trump’s conviction until November 19, according to recent court updates. Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts, with the jury finding he had altered business records to conceal an alleged affair with an adult film star prior to the 2016 presidential election. His sentencing was initially set for November 26.
The delay in the judge’s decision comes as Trump’s legal team has cited a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, which established that presidents have substantial protection against prosecution for certain official actions taken while in office. Trump’s attorneys argue this ruling should nullify the case, a position prosecutors are contesting. If Judge Juan Merchan sides with Trump, the upcoming sentencing could be avoided, though if the case proceeds, Trump’s lawyers are expected to seek delays to avoid disruptions to his duties as president following his January 20 inauguration.
In a message to involved parties, the court granted “a stay of current deadlines until November 19,” marking a key pause in the case’s proceedings.
Public reactions have varied widely. A Kansas City Star editorial called on the judge to consider a historic and extreme measure—swearing Trump in as president while in custody. According to the editorial, such a move would “send a powerful message that the rule of law still applies in America.”
However, Trump’s former Attorney General, Bill Barr, denounced the case as politically driven, warning that prolonged action could detract from national priorities. Barr remarked that public sentiment had largely dismissed these cases, seeing them as divisive distractions rather than substantive legal pursuits.
The New York case is just one of several legal battles facing Trump. On the federal level, Trump is under investigation for efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and alleged mishandling of classified documents. As incoming president, Trump would theoretically have the authority to close these cases. Special counsel Jack Smith, who leads both investigations, may be easing back on further pursuit, according to recent reports.
Throughout his campaign and subsequent election, Trump has repeatedly labeled the case a “witch hunt,” asserting it “should be dismissed.” Legal experts, however, remain divided. In a recent analysis, former prosecutor Randall Eliason suggested that Trump’s election win could shield him from accountability for alleged misconduct, which, he stated, would harm the principle of justice in the U.S.
The conviction has added to an already dramatic presidential race marked by Trump’s near-death experience in July when an assailant’s bullet grazed his ear at a rally in Pennsylvania. The political landscape shifted further when President Joe Biden withdrew from the race after a lackluster debate performance, giving way to Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate, making history as the first woman of color from a major U.S. party to run for president.
