


New York judge Juan Merchan postponed his anticipated Tuesday decision on whether to uphold or dismiss president-elect Donald Trump’s hush-money conviction because of the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity.
Merchan said he would delay his decision until next Tuesday, November 19. The judge granted the prosecution’s request to delay the hearing as well as Trump’s November 26 sentencing date.
Manhattan prosecutor Mathew Colangelo asked Merchan to consider the impact that Trump’s reelection has on the ruling, according to emails filed in court. Trump lawyer Emil Bove agreed with the prosecution’s request for pausing the deadlines, arguing there are “strong reasons for the requested stay, and eventual dismissal of the case in the interests of justice.”
Bove cited the Supreme Court’s July decision that granted Trump presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for his official acts while in office.
“The stay, and dismissal, are necessary to avoid unconstitutional impediments to President Trump’s ability to govern,” the defense attorney wrote.