Former President Donald Trump turns to the Supreme Court in a last-ditch effort to delay sentencing in his high-profile hush money case.
At a Glance
- Trump filed an emergency petition to the Supreme Court to postpone sentencing in the Stormy Daniels hush money case
- The former president was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records
- Trump’s legal team argues for presidential immunity and potential harm to the presidency
- Judge Juan Merchan indicated he might not impose jail time or a fine
- An appeals court recently denied Trump’s request to delay sentencing
Trump’s Supreme Court Appeal
President-elect Donald Trump has filed an emergency petition to the Supreme Court, seeking to postpone his sentencing in the high-profile hush money case associated with Stormy Daniels. This move comes after a New York jury found him guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Trump’s legal team, led by attorney Todd Blanche, is arguing for a delay based on claims of presidential immunity and potential negative impacts on presidential functions.
The sentencing, originally scheduled for after the November election, has been moved up to Friday. This sudden change has prompted Trump’s team to act swiftly, appealing to the highest court in the land after an appeals court rejected their request for a delay.
President-elect Donald Trump asked the US Supreme Court to intervene in his hush money criminal case to prevent his Jan. 10 sentencing from going forward. https://t.co/wTTarc4yi1
— Bloomberg (@business) January 8, 2025
Legal Arguments and Immunity Claims
Trump’s legal team is basing their appeal on a Supreme Court decision regarding presidential immunity. They argue that halting the proceedings is necessary “to prevent grave injustice and harm to the institution of the Presidency and the operations of the federal government.” This stance reflects their belief that the case could have far-reaching implications beyond Trump’s personal legal troubles.
Despite these arguments, Judge Juan Merchan has indicated his intention to proceed with sentencing, dismissing repeated arguments from Trump’s legal team. The judge ruled that the trial evidence related to unofficial conduct, not official presidential actions, potentially weakening Trump’s immunity claims.
Potential Outcomes and Implications
The case, which included testimony from Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, has been closely watched by both supporters and critics Donald Trump. As the legal battle continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will respond to Trump’s emergency petition and what impact this will have on the broader political landscape. The court ordered prosecutors to respond by Thursday morning Jan 9th.
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Trump goes to the Supreme Court in last gasp attempt to stop his hush money sentencing
