Court postpones Trump's sentencing in hush money case: what's going on

The sentencing of US President-elect Donald Trump in the hush money case has been postponed indefinitely. Judge Juan Merchant decided to postpone the trial, giving Trump's lawyers time to justify the request to close the case, UNN reports citing Politico.

Details

The sentencing of Donald Trump in the hush money case has been postponed indefinitely by a Manhattan court. This decision was made on Friday by Judge Juan Merchant, who is presiding over the trial. This was another legal victory for the newly elected US president on his way to returning to the White House, the publication points out.

Judge Merchant postponed the sentencing date, originally scheduled for November 26, to consider a request from Trump's lawyers to dismiss the case. They argue that their client, as the president-elect, should avoid legal obstacles that could interfere with his duties. The lawyers have until December 2 to submit their arguments, while Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has until December 9 to respond.

Prosecutors object to the dismissal of the case, but agree that the sentence may have to be postponed until the end of Trump's presidential term in January 2029. Trump's lawyers say that even so, the sentencing is unacceptable because the threat of punishment makes it difficult for him to fulfill his presidential duties.

Recall

In May, Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the payment of money to porn star Stormy Daniels to cover up the scandal. The verdict was originally scheduled to be announced in the summer, but Trump twice had it postponed. After winning the election, experts suggested that the sentencing would likely be postponed until the end of his presidential term.