Donald Trump is facing a crucial moment in his legal battle as his sentencing for the hush money case approaches.
On the eve of his sentencing on Friday, Trump’s lawyers made one last attempt to get the case dismissed, arguing that the charges should be thrown out just days before his inauguration.
The case stems from his involvement in a $130,000 hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.
Legal Maneuvering Just Before the Deadline
The timing of this legal maneuver is tight, as Trump’s sentencing was confirmed by Judge Juan Merchan for Friday.
However, just hours before the sentencing, Trump’s legal team took their case to a New York appeals court.
The lawyers are pushing for the case to be dismissed, citing a recent Supreme Court decision that grants presidents immunity from certain legal proceedings.
They argue that the trial against Trump violates established precedents protecting a President-Elect from criminal prosecution.
In their legal filings, Trump’s lawyers criticized Judge Merchan’s decision, claiming that it undermines the office of the presidency.
They emphasized that no criminal process should be allowed against a president-elect, and any evidence from official presidential acts should not be used in a criminal trial. Trump has consistently labeled the case as a political “witch hunt.”
The Legal Fallout of Trump’s Conviction
Trump was convicted by a New York jury in April of 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records in an attempt to conceal the hush money payment to Daniels.
His legal team has continuously fought against the case, seeking to delay the sentencing on the grounds of presidential immunity.
As Trump approaches his second term, his legal troubles have become a major focal point.
Throughout the six-week trial, he moved his presidential campaign activities to Manhattan, drawing political support from Congress members, aides, and his supporters outside the courthouse.
However, his re-election in 2024 has raised legal complications for Judge Merchan, who must now navigate the challenges of sentencing a sitting president.
Judge Merchan Pushes Forward with Sentencing Plans
Despite the legal arguments and requests for delay, Judge Merchan has insisted that sentencing will proceed as scheduled.
He dismissed most of the arguments presented by Trump’s team, calling them repetitive.
In response, Trump’s lawyers argued that the court should not rush the sentencing, as it could violate Trump’s presidential immunity and set a dangerous precedent.
While Judge Merchan has stated he will not send Trump to prison, he plans to issue a conditional discharge.
This means that although Trump will be convicted, he will face no fine, probation, or prison time—allowing him to be sworn in as president on January 20, 2025, without any legal obstacles.
Trump’s Spokesperson Responds to Legal Ruling
Following the ruling on Monday, Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, reacted strongly, calling the decision part of a “witch hunt.”
He argued that the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity, along with New York state’s constitution, mandates that the charges should be dismissed.
Cheung’s comments highlight Trump’s ongoing narrative that he is being targeted unfairly by the legal system.
As Trump’s legal team continues to challenge the case, the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of this high-stakes legal battle.
With his inauguration just days away, the resolution of this case will mark a significant moment in both his presidency and his controversial legal journey.
