Shan Wu, a former federal prosecutor, served as counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno. This background adds a significant layer to the legal discussions surrounding Trump. Mark Twain's famous quote, "the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated," seems to resonate in the context of Judge Juan Merchan's order vacating the November 26 sentencing date for President-Elect Trump.

Trump's Sentencing Delays and Legal Manoeuvres

Trump was scheduled to be sentenced for his 34 felony convictions but faced repeated delays. Judge Merchan's decision to delay the sentencing allowed Trump's legal team to make arguments based on the Supreme Court's decision on Presidential immunity. However, the order produced some unjustified hyperbole.

One CNN headline read "Trump's Hush Money Sentencing Postponed Indefinitely," which sparked a lot of discussion. Steven Cheung, Trump's soon-to-be White House Communications Director, exclaimed that the order was a "decisive win for President Trump" and that the "hoax Manhattan Case is now fully stayed and sentencing adjourned." Surprisingly, Cheung's description of the sentencing being "adjourned" seems more accurate than the CNN headline. Just because Merchan took the November 26 sentencing date off the calendar doesn't mean the sentencing is indefinitely postponed. It's important to note that Merchan granted Trump's attorneys permission to file their motion to dismiss and set a tight briefing schedule.

Donald Trump's appearance in court for his hush money trial was a significant event. Merchan's decision to allow a full briefing of the motion to dismiss issue is a prudent one. It builds a better record for future appeals courts and ensures a more thorough analysis. D.A. Bragg's recognition of the possibility of delaying the sentencing until after Trump is out of office also contributes to the full record.

The Federal Cases and Their Complexities

In the Mar-a-Lago documents case, Judge Aileen Cannon's actions have been controversial. Her decisions seem to favour Trump, raising questions about the independence of the judiciary. In the D.C. election interference case, Judge Tanya Chutkin and the D.C. Circuit faced challenges due to the Supreme Court's slow decision process.

The Special Counsel Jack Smith's case also faced time constraints. Whether the Attorney General is to be faulted for giving Smith a late start is a matter of debate. But it's clear that time ran out for Smith and the DOJ. The Georgia case is tied up in knots that won't be resolved until well into Trump's second term. The Deputy Attorney General at D.O.J. will be one of Trump's trial attorneys, adding another layer of complexity.

Ultimately, the fate of "Will Donald Trump be held accountable?" rests largely on the actions of Judge Merchan and D.A. Alvin Bragg. While many are disappointed that Trump has yet to be sentenced, their efforts in bringing the cases to trial deserve some recognition. Steven Cheung is right in a sense; every case was delayed, and only one made it to trial before Trump was re-elected. It's a complex legal landscape that continues to unfold.