Judge Juan Merchan has temporarily suspended all deadlines in the New York case involving President-elect Donald Trump, which includes halting the sentencing that was set for later this month. This postponement came after a joint request from both prosecutors and Trump’s defense team, extending the pause until November 19. This delay pushes back Merchan’s decision regarding Trump’s plea to overturn the verdict based on claims of presidential immunity, which was initially expected to be announced on Tuesday.
Merchan has instructed prosecutors to provide their perspective on “appropriate steps going forward” by next week. The prosecution argued for the postponement to allow time to assess the implications of Trump’s recent election win.
In a communication to Merchan dated November 10, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo noted, “The People agree that these are unprecedented circumstances and that the arguments raised by defense counsel in correspondence to the People on Friday require careful consideration to ensure that any further steps in this proceeding appropriately balance the competing interests of (1) a jury verdict of guilt following trial that has the presumption of regularity; and (2) the Office of the President.”
Trump’s legal team supported the motion, contending that dismissing the case is essential to “avoid unconstitutional impediments to President Trump’s ability to govern.” In another related federal case concerning election interference, the judge has also approved special counsel Jack Smith’s request to pause active deadlines.
Several reports suggest that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is already examining how to conclude its cases against Trump in light of his impending inauguration in January, as DOJ policy prohibits the criminal prosecution of presidents while they are in office.
