Donald Trump’s sentencing related to his conviction in the Manhattan hush money case has been postponed indefinitely, as ruled by the presiding judge on Friday. This decision marks another legal triumph for the president-elect as he navigates his path back to the White House.

In a brief ruling, Justice Juan Merchan delayed the sentencing, originally scheduled for November 26, to consider Trump’s request to dismiss the case entirely, citing his current status as president-elect. 

Trump’s legal team to submit their arguments supporting the dismissal, which they claim is essential to prevent unconstitutional barriers to President Trump’s governance. The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, is required to respond by December 9.

In their court submissions, Bragg’s prosecutors expressed opposition to Trump’s motion to dismiss the case but did not contest the indefinite postponement of the sentencing. They acknowledged that any potential sentencing might need to be deferred until Trump concludes his term in January 2029.

Trump’s attorneys have contended that a sentencing occurring after his term would be “impermissible” under the law, arguing that the prospect of a sentence could hinder Trump’s ability to fulfill his presidential duties.

In May, Trump was convicted on 34 countsof falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Although the sentencing was initially slated for early summer.

Trump successfully sought delays on two occasions, ultimately rescheduling it to a date after the upcoming Election Day. Following his election as president-elect, many legal analysts anticipated that Justice Merchan would likely refrain from imposing a sentence before Trump’s return to the White House.