New York’s highest court has declined to halt the sentencing of Donald Trump in his hush money case, effectively leaving the US Supreme Court as the former president’s last resort. The New York Court of Appeals issued a brief order on Thursday rejecting Trump’s plea to postpone his sentencing, scheduled for Friday.
Trump’s legal team had earlier approached the US Supreme Court after the state courts denied their requests. The sentencing stems from Trump’s conviction in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, a charge he denies. His attorneys have argued that the case is politically motivated and claim the trial violated his presidential immunity.
Although Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over the trial, has indicated that the sentencing will not involve imprisonment, fines, or probation, Trump’s lawyers maintain that the conviction poses significant challenges. They argue it could disrupt his political ambitions as he prepares for a possible return to office.
What is the case?
The hush money case centres on a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Daniels alleged an affair with Trump, which he has consistently denied. Trump reimbursed the payment through his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, who recorded it as legal expenses.
Prosecutors claimed this payment was part of a broader scheme to suppress damaging information ahead of the election. Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to conceal the payment. This marks the first time a former US president has been convicted of a crime.
Trump’s legal team contends that the case violates a Supreme Court ruling granting him immunity for actions taken during his presidency. They also argue that the case’s continuation is politically motivated and aimed at undermining his presidential campaign.
Despite these claims, New York judges have ruled that the conviction pertains to personal conduct, not official acts. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has countered Trump’s assertions, maintaining that the charges are valid and necessary to uphold accountability.
As Trump’s attorneys await a response from Justice Sonia Sotomayor on their emergency appeal, the case remains a contentious focal point. Trump, who is set to become the first US president to assume office with felony convictions if re-elected, has described the situation as a “grave injustice.”
