New York Court Declines to Block Trump Sentencing in Hush Money Case/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ New York’s highest appeals court has rejected Donald Trump’s request to delay sentencing in his hush money case, paving the way for Friday’s hearing. Trump’s legal team plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing the case is politically motivated and distracting as he prepares for his presidential inauguration on January 20.
Trump’s Hush Money Sentencing: Quick Looks
- Court Decision: New York’s highest court denies Trump’s bid to block sentencing.
- Supreme Court Appeal: Trump’s lawyers have turned to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Conviction: Trump was convicted in May of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
- Sentencing Details: Judge Juan M. Merchan likely won’t impose jail time, fines, or probation.
- Defense Argument: Trump’s attorneys cite presidential immunity and political motivations.
New York Court Declines to Block Trump Sentencing in Hush Money Case
Deep Look
New York Court Rejects Trump’s Appeal
Donald Trump faced another legal setback Thursday when New York’s highest appeals court declined to intervene in his hush money case, allowing sentencing to proceed as scheduled. The case stems from Trump’s May 2024 conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records tied to payments made during his 2016 presidential campaign.
The New York Court of Appeals issued a brief order denying Trump’s request for a hearing. This leaves the U.S. Supreme Court as Trump’s last avenue to delay sentencing, currently set for Friday.
Trump’s Defense Arguments
Trump’s legal team contends that the case is politically motivated and unconstitutional. They argue that the Manhattan trial violated a Supreme Court ruling last year granting Trump broad immunity from prosecution for acts taken as president.
Additionally, Trump’s attorneys assert that sentencing should be postponed while the immunity appeals are resolved, stating that the felony conviction could unfairly disrupt Trump’s preparations to assume office on January 20.
Despite these arguments, New York courts have maintained that Trump’s offenses were personal rather than official acts, placing them outside the scope of presidential immunity.
Potential Implications of Sentencing
While Judge Juan M. Merchan has indicated he will not impose jail time, fines, or probation, Trump’s lawyers argue the felony conviction carries significant consequences. They claim it could damage Trump’s reputation, cause political disruption, and distract him from transitioning into his second term as president.
D. John Sauer, Trump’s attorney and nominee for solicitor general, called the sentencing a “grave injustice.” In an emergency motion filed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Sauer emphasized the urgency of halting the sentencing to prevent interference with Trump’s presidential transition.
Next Steps
Trump’s emergency appeal is now with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who handles cases from New York. A decision on whether the Supreme Court will intervene is expected soon.
For now, Trump’s sentencing remains on the calendar for Friday, marking a critical moment in a case that has drawn intense political and public scrutiny.
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