This story at a glance…

1. Trump seeks dismissal of his hush money case.

2. Sentencing postponed indefinitely by a New York judge.

3. Lawyers argue the case disrupts his presidency.

4. Legal battles loom as Trump returns to office.

Trump Seeks Dismissal of His Hush Money Case

Donald Trump, recently re-elected as the next U.S. president, has been granted permission to file a motion to dismiss his criminal case involving hush money payments. This follows a ruling on Friday by New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who also indefinitely postponed Trump’s sentencing. The decision comes as Trump prepares to assume office in January after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election.

The case dates back to a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump has denied Daniels' allegations of an affair and maintains his innocence. Earlier this year, a Manhattan jury convicted Trump of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up reimbursements to Cohen. This conviction made Trump the first U.S. president—former or sitting—to face criminal charges.

Timeline and Legal Arguments
Trump’s attorneys have until December 2 to file a motion to dismiss, arguing that continuing the case while he is president would impose unconstitutional obstacles to his ability to govern. Prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, while opposing dismissal, agreed to delay sentencing until Trump’s term concludes in 2029. They have until December 9 to respond to Trump’s motion.

The judge has not set a new sentencing date or indicated when a ruling on the motion to dismiss might occur. Potential penalties include fines or probation, but prison time is considered unlikely, especially given the complexities of sentencing a sitting president.

Broader Context
The hush money case is one of several legal challenges Trump faces. In addition to this case, he is dealing with state criminal charges in Georgia over efforts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as federal cases involving classified documents and election-related actions. Trump has pleaded not guilty in all cases.

The New York and Georgia cases, filed in state courts, fall outside the president’s authority, limiting his ability to intervene. However, the federal government could choose to drop the federal cases. Trump recently nominated two of his defense attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, to senior positions in his incoming administration’s Justice Department.

Trump’s legal team portrays the hush money case as politically motivated. Trump’s campaign has labeled it part of a “witch hunt” and argues that his election to the presidency signals public support for ending the case.

Reflection
This case reminds us of the enduring call for truth and justice in leadership. Proverbs 11:3 teaches, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” As leaders make decisions that shape nations, we are called to pray for wisdom, humility, and honesty to prevail. Let us continue to pray for those in positions of authority, that they might serve with integrity and for the good of all people.