New York prosecutors are fighting back against President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn his criminal conviction but have shown a willingness to delay sentencing until after his presidency concludes in 2029. The decision comes as Trump continues to face legal challenges stemming from his May conviction on 34 charges of falsifying business records.
The charges are linked to allegations that Trump attempted to cover up a potential sex scandal during his 2016 presidential campaign by falsifying financial records. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and is seeking to have the conviction overturned.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office urged Justice Juan Merchan to explore alternatives to dismissing the case outright, including holding off on sentencing Trump until after he completes his presidential term.
Prosecutors formally requested a new deadline of December 9 for both sides to present additional arguments and motions in the case. Trump’s sentencing is currently scheduled for November 26, but this new request suggests it could be pushed back even further.
If the judge accepts the proposal, Trump could potentially avoid sentencing until after his second term in the White House ends in January 2029.
The charges against Trump stem from allegations that he orchestrated hush-money payments to silence claims of an extramarital affair before the 2016 election. Prosecutors argue that these payments were disguised as legal expenses, a move they say constitutes falsification of business records.
In May 2023, a jury found Trump guilty of 34 counts related to the scheme, making him the first U.S. president—current or former—to face a criminal conviction. Trump has maintained his innocence, calling the charges politically motivated and part of a larger “witch hunt” against him.
The judge’s decision on whether to delay sentencing until 2029 could set a major precedent. While Trump’s legal team argues that his duties as president-elect should take priority, critics say delaying sentencing would send the wrong message about accountability for public officials.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, have made it clear that they intend to oppose Trump’s appeal to have the conviction overturned. By proposing a sentencing delay, they aim to balance the practicalities of Trump’s presidential schedule with the need for justice in the case.
The next critical date in the case is December 9, when prosecutors and Trump’s defense team are expected to submit new motions for the judge’s consideration. For now, Trump’s sentencing remains uncertain, but its implications for the intersection of law and politics are sure to resonate for years to come.
