Manhattan DA opposes request to dismiss Trump's hush money case

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg told a New York court on Tuesday that he plans to oppose a motion by President-elect Donald Trump’s legal team to dismiss the silence suit. However, he does not see any harm in postponing the sentence, which is planned to take place later this month.

A jury in May found Trump guilty of all 34 charges stemming from falsifying business records, making him the first American president to be convicted of a crime. During the six-week trial, prosecutors successfully argued that Trump falsified records to conceal damaging stories, including his alleged affair with porn star Stormy Daniels, ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

However, important events following the conviction turned the case upside down.

In July, the Supreme Court ruled that presidents cannot be criminally prosecuted for official actions they take while in office. Although the Supreme Court does not define “official acts,” Trump’s lawyers say his conviction should be overturned in light of the Supreme Court’s decision. A hearing on this matter was scheduled for November but was postponed.

Additionally, Trump will be inaugurated on January 20 following his presidential election victory, which will limit the possibility of an investigation into him.

In response to both issues, Bragg argues: “No existing law provides that a president’s temporary immunity from prosecution requires dismissal of post-trial criminal proceedings initiated at a time when the defendant is not immune from criminal prosecution and is based on informal conduct from which the defendant is not immune.”

Bragg said his office will use the time to explore options, including whether to freeze the case until the president’s term ends.

It’s unclear when Merchan will decide on the future of the case.

This is breaking news. Check back for updates.

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