Manhattan prosecutors have confirmed they will challenge President-elect Donald Trump’s request to dismiss his recent New York criminal conviction, despite his election victory.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) shared in a letter that he does not oppose delaying Trump’s sentencing, initially scheduled for next week, to give the judge more time to consider additional legal arguments.
Bragg expressed strong opposition to dismissing the case but suggested other options, including suspending proceedings until Trump’s term ends in 2029.
In his statement, Bragg noted that “The People deeply respect the Office of the President and are aware of the unique legal questions that Defendant’s inauguration may pose. We also respect the essential role of the jury in our constitutional system.
Trump’s legal team celebrated the development, calling it a “total victory.” Steven Cheung, Trump’s spokesperson and incoming White House communications director, stated that the Manhattan DA’s response proves the case “cannot continue.
The case is overseen by Judge Juan Merchan, who now faces a choice: to delay sentencing set for November 26, dismiss Trump’s conviction entirely, or proceed with the case in light of Trump’s election.
In May, Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, intended to cover up an alleged affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election—a claim Trump denies.
Prosecutors argued the payments were part of an unlawful scheme to influence the election. This historic conviction makes Trump the first former U.S. president found guilty of a felony.
The charges could result in prison time, though first-time offenders often receive lighter sentences. If upheld, Trump would become the first individual to enter the White House with a criminal conviction.
Judge Merchan has not yet ruled on whether Trump’s conviction could be impacted by the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. Following Trump’s request, Merchan delayed the ruling and sentencing until after the election.