Trump hush money trial: Court indefinitely 'adjourns' sentencing following election win

United States President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money case was indefinitely 'adjourned' by a Manhattan court Tuesday (Nov 19) as the judge evaluates his next steps amid uncertainty following the former president’s election victory.

The sentencing, earlier scheduled for November 26, was called off by Justice Juan Merchan without any explanation. The development comes as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg also faces a deadline to decide how to go about the case against the incoming president.

Uncertainty rules

The uncertainty revolves around whether the judge should proceed with sentencing, delay it for four years until Trump vacates the office or simply dismiss the case once and for all.

Last week, Trump's lawyer told the court that there was a strong case for dismissing the trial altogether. On the other hand, Bragg’s office said the jury's verdict must be taken into consideration.

Trump lawyer Emil Bove told the court that dropping the case against the incoming president was "necessary to avoid unconstitutional impediments to President Trump's ability to govern." Prosecutors also agreed to the delay.

Trump's legal troubles ending?

In May, a New York jury found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts in the hush money trial, in which he faced four years in prison.

Trump had to deal with four prosecutions during his presidential campaign and the former president put everything on the line to win the elections in a bid to end his many legal troubles. The effect is now already visible.

The US Department of Justice has already dropped his two federal cases. A case in the US state of Georgia has also been halted amid concerns over the district attorney's relationship with the prosecutor.