Trump seeks dismissal of hush money case, citing election victory

Donald Trump has asked a New York state judge to dismiss the criminal case in which he was convicted in May on 34 felony counts related to hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, Reuters reported.

In a motion filed Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers argued that continuing the case after his election victory would disrupt his ability to govern, as the charges would hang over him when he takes office on January 20.

Trump’s defense team, led by Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, urged Justice Juan Merchan to vacate the guilty verdict and dismiss the charges, calling the case an unwarranted disruption by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. 

They argued that local officials like Bragg have no valid reason to cause such a distraction during Trump's presidential term.

The motion was made public after Merchan delayed Trump’s sentencing, originally scheduled for November 26, to allow time for Trump’s legal team to argue for dismissal. 

Prosecutors from Bragg’s office have agreed to the delay but indicated they would oppose the dismissal. The judge has not yet set a date for ruling or rescheduling sentencing.

Trump’s lawyers also referenced President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, in their motion, calling it an "extraordinary condemnation" of the Justice Department's actions. 

They reiterated their claim that Bragg’s prosecution was politically motivated, alleging coordination with the Biden administration.

The case stems from a $130,000 payment made to Daniels in 2016 to silence her about an alleged affair with Trump, which he denies. 

Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records related to the payment, marking the first time a sitting or former US president has been convicted of a criminal offense.

Trump faces additional legal challenges, including charges related to classified documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.