Donald Trump seeks Supreme Court intervention to delay sentencing in Stormy Daniels hush money case, citing presidential immunity.
At a Glance
- Trump appeals to Supreme Court to halt sentencing after conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records
- Trump’s legal team argues for presidential immunity and potential harm to presidency
- Judge Merchan previously indicated no jail time or fine might be imposed
- Sentencing rescheduled for Friday after initial delay until after November election
- Trump could become first president to be a convicted felon upon taking office
Trump’s Supreme Court Appeal
In a bold legal maneuver, President-elect Donald Trump has petitioned the Supreme Court to postpone his sentencing in the high-profile hush money case involving Stormy Daniels. This appeal comes on the heels of Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, a case that has captured national attention due to its potential implications for the former president’s political future.
Trump’s legal team, spearheaded by attorney Todd Blanche, is pushing for an emergency stay based on claims of presidential immunity. The appeal to the highest court in the land underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential ramifications for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
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 Judicial Decisions
The crux of Trump’s appeal rests on the argument that the trial evidence included official acts performed during his presidency, such as meetings and statements made while in office. This assertion directly challenges Judge Juan Merchan’s previous ruling that the evidence presented in the trial pertained to unofficial conduct, not official presidential actions.
Trump’s legal team argues that the Supreme Court should intervene “to prevent grave injustice and harm to the institution of the Presidency and the operations of the federal government.” This plea comes after an appeals court recently denied Trump’s request to delay sentencing, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the nation’s highest court.
Potential Implications and Political Fallout
The outcome of this appeal could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Trump but for the office of the presidency itself. If sentenced, Trump could become the first president in U.S. history to be a convicted felon upon taking office, a prospect that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
Despite Trump’s vocal criticism of Judge Merchan, including allegations of bias, the judge has indicated that he might not impose jail time or a fine. This development has added another layer of complexity to an already contentious legal battle, leaving many to speculate about the potential outcomes and their impact on the upcoming presidential election. The court ordered prosecutors to respond by Thursday morning Jan 9th.
Sources:
Trump goes to the Supreme Court in last gasp attempt to stop his hush money sentencing
