Trump’s criminal trial in New York on hold as legal teams assess impact of presidency

The New York criminal trial of Donald Trump took a significant turn Tuesday, as the judge postponed a pivotal decision on whether to overturn the president-elect’s conviction.

The delay comes as Trump’s legal team seeks to have the case dismissed, citing his election to a second term and constitutional concerns regarding presidential immunity. The prosecution requested additional time to evaluate how Trump’s new role impacts the case, leading the court to grant a one-week reprieve.

State Judge Juan Merchan received correspondence from prosecutors acknowledging the extraordinary nature of the situation. Trump’s legal troubles stem from his May conviction on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels—allegations the president-elect has repeatedly denied. His sentencing, originally set for Nov. 26, has been postponed indefinitely as the court navigates the implications of his presidency.

The Trump campaign lauded the court’s decision to pause the proceedings. Spokesman Steven Cheung characterized the development as a victory for justice, arguing that the case exemplifies the "weaponization of the legal system" and should never have been pursued.

Trump’s legal team contends that the trial included improperly admitted evidence, referencing a Supreme Court ruling in July that reaffirmed presidential immunity for actions taken while in office. This ruling, handed down shortly before Trump’s initial sentencing date, forms the foundation of the defense’s motion to overturn the conviction and dismiss the charges.

The New York case is unique among the four criminal cases filed against Trump following his departure from office in 2021. It is the only one to go to trial, culminating in a jury verdict that marked the first criminal conviction of a former U.S. president.

However, the Department of Justice is now winding down two federal cases against Trump, citing a 2020 memo from the Office of Legal Counsel that concluded prosecuting a sitting president would interfere with the executive branch’s operations.

In addition to the New York case, Trump faces a racketeering charge in Fulton County, Ga. District Attorney Fani Willis has accused Trump and others of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election. That case, too, remains in limbo as Trump and co-defendants seek to disqualify Willis from prosecution due to alleged conflicts of interest.

Legal experts suggest that any trial in Georgia would likely be delayed until after Trump’s presidency ends in 2029, raising further questions about the legal system’s ability to hold a sitting president accountable.

The delay in Trump’s sentencing highlights the tension between enforcing legal accountability and addressing the complexities of prosecuting an elected official. The president-elect’s status introduces unprecedented challenges to the judicial process, potentially reshaping the boundaries of executive power and legal oversight.

As Judge Merchan considers the next steps, the case carries implications far beyond Trump, setting a precedent for how the justice system navigates criminal proceedings involving high-ranking officials.

Annelise Hanson is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email amh8563@psu.edu.