"Judge's Ruling Shapes Trump's Legal Path"

Background and Initial Proceedings

New York (AP) — On Friday, a judge confirmed that President-elect Donald Trump will not be sentenced this month in his hush money case. This decision comes amid a flurry of filings in the case since Trump's election victory. It was already clear that the November 26 sentencing date would not hold, and Judge Juan M. Merchan's order formalized this without setting a new date.

The judge called for more filings from both sides over the next 2 1/2 weeks, as they consider how to proceed in light of Trump's impending return to the White House. Trump's lawyers are advocating for the case to be dismissed outright and immediately, arguing that it will interfere with his presidential transition and duties.

Prosecutors' Stance

Prosecutors, on the other hand, have indicated that they are open to putting the case on hold, perhaps for as long as Trump is in office. However, they do not want the case to be scrapped altogether. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, has emphasized the need to balance the obligations of the presidency with "the sanctity of the jury verdict."

Bragg's office declined to comment on Friday's ruling. However, Trump spokesperson and incoming White House communications director Steven Cheung hailed it as "a decisive win" for Trump.

The Conviction and Allegations

Trump was convicted in May of falsifying his business' records to disguise the true nature of a chain of payments. These payments amounted to $130,000 and were made to porn actor Stormy Daniels. The payout was allegedly intended to keep her quiet about a sexual encounter she claimed to have had with Trump a decade earlier. Trump denies her claim and maintains that he did nothing wrong.

This case has drawn significant attention and has become a focal point in the ongoing legal and political landscape. The judge's decision and the subsequent actions of both sides will have a profound impact on the future of the case and Trump's presidency.