In a significant development, the sentencing of former President Donald Trump, who was convicted on 34 felony counts related to a $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels, has been postponed until after the 2024 election. Legal experts believe that this decision by Judge Juan Merchan could have potential downsides for Trump.

Originally scheduled for July 11, the sentencing was first rescheduled to September 18. However, in a recent four-page decision, Judge Merchan further postponed the sentencing to November 26, which is three weeks after the presidential election. The judge cited the need to avoid any appearance of the proceeding being influenced by or seeking to affect the upcoming election.

This decision has sparked a mixed response from Trump's opponents, with some expressing concern over the potential negative implications for the former president. MSNBC legal expert Andrew Weissmann emphasized that this ruling keeps the Supreme Court from intervening in the verdict before the election. Weissmann noted that while some may view this as a win for Trump, there are significant downsides, as the criminal verdict remains unaffected by political interference before the election.

Judge Merchan also stated that on November 12, he will rule on a motion filed by Trump's legal team to dismiss the guilty verdict entirely. This motion refers to the Supreme Court's previous decision, which stated that presidents are immune from criminal charges for actions taken as part of their official duties.

Legal analyst Glenn Kirschner expressed support for Merchan's decision, arguing that once Trump is no longer a candidate and has lost the election, it will become much easier for the judge to sentence him to prison. However, CNN legal analyst Norman Eisen criticized the decision, claiming that Judge Merchan erred by allowing politics to influence the timing of the sentencing.

Amid the debate surrounding the decision, MSNBC legal analyst Katie Phang highlighted the Supreme Court's stance on presidential immunity, urging voters to consider the potential impact on future appointments. Former U.S. attorney Joyce Vance pointed out that if Judge Merchan hadn't postponed the trial, it's likely that another court would have controlled the schedule.

During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Trump falsified business records to conceal his involvement in the $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels. Trump's defense argued that the charges were politically motivated and aimed at interfering with his 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump reacted to the decision on his social media platform, describing the ongoing case as a "witch hunt" and accusing it of being politically motivated. He expressed gratitude for the judge's consideration of the words "if necessary" in relation to the sentencing date, asserting that the case should be terminated in preparation for the upcoming election.

As the legal proceedings continue, the decision to postpone Trump's sentencing until after the 2024 election has raised questions about the potential consequences for the former president. With arguments and opinions surrounding the case, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving observers eagerly waiting for further developments.