Trump Seeks Supreme Court Intervention to Block Sentencing in New York 'Hush Money' Case

Preview

President-elect Donald Trump has filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to block his sentencing in the New York "hush money" case, which is scheduled for January 10, 2025. This case stems from an investigation by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, which led to Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump's legal team argues that the case is politically motivated and violates his constitutional rights, particularly his claim to presidential immunity.

Trump's lawyers have asserted that the New York trial court wrongfully admitted evidence relating to official presidential acts, which they argue should be excluded based on the Supreme Court's recent rulings on presidential immunity. They have requested the Supreme Court to issue a stay on all criminal proceedings and sentencing until the resolution of Trump's appeal on these grounds.

Preview

Despite Trump's appeal, Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, recently denied a motion to stay the sentencing, stating that Trump would not be imprisoned but might receive an "unconditional discharge," meaning no punishment would be imposed. This decision has prompted Trump to seek the Supreme Court's intervention to prevent the sentencing from proceeding.

Preview

The Supreme Court is expected to respond to Trump's petition, with New York state authorities required to file a response by January 9, 2025. This case continues to be a significant legal and political issue, especially as Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.