Trump Appeals Hush Money Conviction, Calls Case a ‘Witch Hunt’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump has officially appealed his New York hush money conviction, seeking to erase the historic verdict that made him the first U.S. president with a criminal record to win office. His legal team, led by Robert J. Giuffra Jr. of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, argues that the case was a misuse of criminal law by the Manhattan District Attorney. The appeal challenges Trump’s 34-count conviction for falsifying business records, which stemmed from alleged hush money payments to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. Despite being spared jail time, Trump continues to deny wrongdoing, calling the case a political attack.
Trump’s Hush Money Appeal: Quick Looks
- Conviction Appeal Filed: Trump’s lawyers formally submitted a notice of appeal in New York state court.
- Legal Team Shake-Up: Sullivan & Cromwell LLP now leads the appeal after Trump’s original defense team joined his administration.
- No Jail Time, But Legal Fight Continues: Trump received an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail, probation, or fines, but his conviction remains on record.
- Manhattan DA’s Case: Prosecutors accused Trump of mislabeling payments to Michael Cohen to conceal hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
- No Presidential Pardon Possible: Since the case was tried in state court, Trump cannot pardon himself if the conviction stands.
Trump Appeals Hush Money Conviction, Calls Case a ‘Witch Hunt’
Trump Appeals Hush Money Conviction, Seeks Dismissal
Trump’s Legal Team Moves to Overturn Verdict
President Donald Trump’s legal team has filed an appeal to overturn his New York hush money conviction, aiming to clear his 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
“President Donald J. Trump’s appeal is important for the rule of law, New York’s reputation as a global business, financial, and legal center, as well as for the presidency and all public officials,” said Robert J. Giuffra Jr., Trump’s lead attorney.
The appeal, submitted Wednesday, marks the next phase of Trump’s legal battle over accusations that he hid hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.
Background: Trump’s Hush Money Case
Trump’s conviction stems from a $130,000 payment made by his then-lawyer Michael Cohen to Daniels in 2016. Prosecutors argued that Trump misclassified reimbursements to Cohen as legal expenses in his business records to conceal the true purpose of the payments.
A Manhattan jury found Trump guilty last May, making him the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime.
At his sentencing on January 10, Judge Juan M. Merchan issued an unconditional discharge, meaning Trump avoided jail time, probation, or fines, but the conviction remains on record.
Trump’s Legal Defense: ‘Political Weaponization’
Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the payments were lawful legal expenses meant to protect his family rather than his campaign.
“For this, I got indicted. It’s incredible, actually,” Trump said at his sentencing.
His lawyers also claim that the case represents a dangerous precedent, with Trump himself calling it a “political witch hunt” and “an embarrassment to New York”.
What’s Next in Trump’s Appeal?
Now that the notice of appeal has been filed, Trump’s legal team will submit detailed arguments challenging the conviction. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office will then have an opportunity to respond in court filings.
- The case will be reviewed by New York’s mid-level appellate court, which will decide whether to uphold, overturn, or modify the conviction.
- Trump’s previous efforts to dismiss the case on presidential immunity grounds were rejected by Judge Merchan.
- Since the conviction was in state court, Trump cannot pardon himself, as presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes.
Final Thoughts: Trump’s Legal Battle Far from Over
Despite avoiding jail time, Trump’s hush money conviction remains a significant legal issue as he continues to seek dismissal. His legal team’s appeal will likely take months, and the New York courts will ultimately decide whether his conviction stands or is overturned.
With other legal challenges still pending, this case remains one of many courtroom battles facing the sitting president.
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