In a significant development, the sentencing of former President Donald Trump in his criminal hush money case has been delayed until November 26, after the upcoming presidential election. The decision, made by Judge Juan Merchan, comes after months of Trump's attempts to postpone the proceedings.

In a court filing issued on Friday, Judge Merchan stated that the sentencing hearing would now take place after voters had chosen the next president. This means that Trump will not face immediate consequences for his involvement in falsifying business records connected to a hush payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Additionally, the judge mentioned that he would rule on Trump's motion to set aside the verdict on November 12. The former president is seeking to have the case dismissed by claiming presidential immunity, following a Supreme Court decision stating that Trump is immune from criminal prosecution for official acts carried out while in office.

Merchan emphasized the importance of upholding the public's confidence in the integrity of the judicial system. He stated that the sentencing hearing should solely focus on the jury's verdict and the examination of aggravating and mitigating factors, free from any distractions or distortions.

The judge's ruling appeared to be reluctantly made, with Merchan ensuring that the decision to delay the sentencing was not influenced by the upcoming presidential election, where Trump himself is a candidate. He acknowledged that any perceived conflict was a result of Trump's constant efforts to delay the proceedings.

Merchan's opinion also criticized Trump for trying to bolster his argument with unsubstantiated grievances from previous filings, emphasizing that such claims did not warrant the court's attention.

In May, Trump was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection to the hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election to boost his prospects. Despite maintaining his innocence, the former president has vowed to appeal the decision.

As the legal battles continue, the delay in Trump's sentencing raises questions about the impact this may have on the election and the public's perception of accountability for those in positions of power.