Former President Donald Trump seeks Supreme Court intervention to delay his sentencing in the Stormy Daniels hush money case, citing presidential immunity concerns.
At a Glance
- Trump appeals to Supreme Court to halt sentencing after conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records
- Legal team argues for presidential immunity based on a recent Supreme Court decision
- Sentencing rescheduled for Friday after initial delay until after November election
- Judge Merchan indicated he might not impose jail time or a fine despite Trump’s criticism
- Trump could become the first president to be a convicted felon upon taking office
Trump’s Legal Team Seeks Emergency Delay
President-elect Donald Trump’s legal team has appealed to the Supreme Court to prevent Judge Juan Merchan from sentencing him in the high-profile Stormy Daniels hush money case. This action follows Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, a verdict that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
The legal saga, which has captivated the nation, took an unexpected turn when Judge Merchan indicated he might not impose jail time or a fine, despite Trump’s public criticism of him. This development has added another layer of complexity to an already contentious case.
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
Presidential Immunity and Legal Arguments
Trump’s legal team, led by attorney Todd Blanche, is basing their appeal on the principle of presidential immunity, citing a recent Supreme Court decision. They argue that proceeding with sentencing could have far-reaching consequences for the presidency and federal government operations.
The former president’s lawyers contend that an appeal is likely to lead to a case dismissal, emphasizing the importance of halting the proceedings. This strategy aligns with Trump’s consistent assertion of his innocence and claims of political persecution.
JUST IN: President-Elect Trump asks the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in the New York "hush-money" case. He is asking the Justices to issue a stay to pause further criminal proceedings in New York state court, including his sentencing scheduled for Friday.
— Ed O'Keefe (@edokeefe) January 8, 2025
The road to this Supreme Court appeal has been fraught with legal challenges. An appeals court recently denied Trump’s request to delay sentencing, and Judge Merchan has expressed his intention to proceed with sentencing, dismissing repeated arguments from Trump’s legal team.
“This Court concludes that if error occurred regarding the introduction of the challenged evidence, such error was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence of guilt,” Merchan stated.
Judge Merchan previously ruled that the trial evidence related to unofficial conduct, not official presidential actions. However, Trump’s team maintains that the evidence included official acts, such as meetings and statements made while in office, further complicating the legal landscape.
Potential Historic Implications
If the sentencing proceeds as scheduled, Trump could become the first president in American history to be a convicted felon upon taking office. This unprecedented situation has raised questions about the intersection of criminal justice and the highest office in the land.
The case, which included testimony from key figures such as Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, has been closely watched by legal experts and political observers alike.
But sentencing a former president just days before he is due to be inaugurated for a second time? Insanity.
