President-elect Donald Trump’s effort to overturn his conviction in the New York criminal hush money case was denied on Friday by Judge Juan Merchan.
The decision followed Trump’s argument that the Supreme Court’s recent presidential immunity decision should nullify the verdict.
Judge Merchan, presiding over the Manhattan case, ruled against Trump’s request to vacate the conviction, stating that the evidence and charges were tied to Trump’s unofficial conduct and therefore did not fall under immunity protections.
🚨 BREAKING: Judge to sentence President-elect Trump on January 10th in New York hush money case. Ten days before his inauguration. pic.twitter.com/KrTAep481p
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The sentencing for the case is scheduled for January 10 at 9:30 a.m., where Trump has the option to appear in person or virtually.
Merchan emphasized that he does not intend to impose incarceration, instead suggesting an “unconditional discharge,” meaning no additional penalties.
Trump to be Sentenced by New York Judge Days Before Inauguration…
President-elect Donald Trump’s effort to overturn his conviction in the New York criminal hush money case was denied on Friday by Judge Juan Merchan.
The decision followed Trump’s argument that the Supreme… pic.twitter.com/fjmaJ4fkAG
— RVM News (@redvoicenews) January 3, 2025
Steven Cheung, Trump’s spokesperson and incoming White House Communications Director, criticized the ruling, describing it as a “direct violation of the Supreme Court’s immunity decision.”
He argued that the case should be dismissed to allow Trump to focus on his presidential transition and duties.
“This lawless case should have never been brought, and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed,” Cheung said.
“President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead.”
In July, Trump’s legal team sought to overturn the conviction, citing the Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.
The Court had affirmed that a former president enjoys substantial immunity for official acts conducted while in office.
However, Judge Merchan ruled that the case centered on Trump’s private actions, unrelated to his official duties, and thus was not protected by immunity.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, under Alvin Bragg, brought charges against Trump for allegedly falsifying business records in connection with hush money payments.
The investigation began under former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance. After a six-week trial, a jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.
Trump has consistently denied the charges and pleaded not guilty during the trial.
His legal team has argued that the case was politically motivated and driven by Trump’s transformative leadership and the threat he poses to the political establishment.
Trump’s attorneys cited the Supreme Court’s immunity decision to argue that evidence related to “official acts” should have been inadmissible.
They also filed motions declaring the case as a politically charged attack aimed at disrupting Trump’s transition to the presidency following his November 2024 election victory.
“Wrongly continuing proceedings in this failed lawfare case disrupts President Trump’s transition efforts and his preparations to wield the full Article II executive power authorized by the Constitution,” Trump’s legal team stated.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had earlier suggested delaying the case until the end of Trump’s second term.
Trump’s attorneys rejected this, citing Department of Justice guidelines prohibiting federal indictment of a sitting president.
While Judge Merchan continues to review other motions filed by Trump’s defense team, sentencing remains on track for next week.
Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
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