NEW YORK — Just a week after Donald Trump’s recent electoral win, a Manhattan judge is set to decide on Tuesday whether to uphold or dismiss the former president’s spring conviction on charges of falsifying business records. The case, which involves 34 counts related to hush money payments, could either proceed to sentencing or be dismissed, depending on the judge’s ruling.
Judge Juan M. Merchan’s upcoming decision follows a request from Trump’s legal team to overturn the conviction based on a U.S. Supreme Court decision in July that expanded immunity for presidents, potentially shielding them from certain criminal prosecutions. Trump’s attorneys argue that this new legal precedent should apply to his case, which centers on alleged financial misconduct.
“The real verdict is going to be Nov. 5 by the people,” Trump declared following his conviction earlier this year, underscoring his belief that public opinion, rather than the legal process, would ultimately determine his fate. The former president’s recent victory in the election has heightened attention around the case, which some analysts say could carry broader implications for Trump’s political future and legal standing.
Judge Merchan had initially planned to issue a ruling in September, but delayed his decision to avoid influencing the election. Now, with Trump back in the political spotlight, the judge is expected to either uphold the conviction, set a date for sentencing, or grant Trump a new trial. If Merchan supports the original verdict, sentencing could proceed as early as Nov. 26, though further appeals or legal maneuvers could delay or prevent it.
The decision comes amid ongoing legal battles facing Trump on multiple fronts. A dismissal of the case would mark a significant victory for the former president, while upholding the conviction could bring renewed scrutiny to his legal challenges as he navigates a high-profile return to the political arena.