### New York Prosecutors Seek Pause in Trump Case Until 2029 Amid Presidential Transition

New York prosecutors are pushing for a significant delay in the case against former President Donald Trump, requesting that all proceedings be paused until at least 2029. This move comes as Trump's legal team prepares to file a motion to dismiss the case entirely.

In a letter to Judge Juan Merchan, who recently agreed to a stay on all deadlines connected to Trump's conviction proceedings, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg highlighted the need to assess the implications of Trump's election as president. The stay, which includes postponing the November 26 sentencing date, allows the court to consider the impact of Trump’s new role as president-elect.

"As a result of the election held on November 5, 2024, Defendant's inauguration as President will occur on January 20, 2025," Bragg stated. He emphasized the necessity to balance constitutional interests and consider non-dismissal options, such as deferring all remaining criminal proceedings until Trump's presidential term concludes in 2029.

The prosecution team expressed that they would not oppose Trump's request for postponing further proceedings, pending his motion to dismiss. Trump's spokesman, Steven Cheung, hailed the decision as a "total and definitive victory" for Trump and his supporters, asserting that the case against Trump cannot continue.

Judge Merchan's stay is a response to various challenges brought forward by Trump’s defense attorneys, who are pushing for a complete dismissal of the 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, for which Trump was found guilty in May after a six-week trial. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Trump's legal arguments hinge on the recent United States Supreme Court ruling that grants former presidents substantial immunity from prosecution for official acts conducted while in office. Trump’s attorneys argue that certain evidence presented during the trial should not have been admitted, citing this immunity. The evidence includes testimonies from former White House officials, presidential tweets, and Trump's disclosures to the Office of Government Ethics.

Trump attorney Todd Blanche contended that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg used inappropriate "official acts" evidence in the grand jury proceedings, violating presidential immunity doctrine. Blanche emphasized that such tainted indictment warrants a dismissal of all charges.

The Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity was pivotal in addressing similar charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith in a separate federal case related to the events of January 6, 2021. Trump, who pleaded not guilty in that case as well, saw the classified records case dismissed earlier this year when a federal judge in Florida ruled that Smith's appointment was unlawful.

As these legal battles unfold, Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, serving a term that could last until 2029. The outcome of the motions to dismiss will continue to shape the landscape of his legal and political future.