New York’s highest court has dealt a significant blow to Donald Trump, refusing to delay his sentencing in the high-profile “hush money” case. The decision cements an unprecedented moment in American history: the sentencing of a former and soon-to-be President. Convicted on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records, Trump faces this legal reckoning just days before his second inauguration.
The court’s decision was brief but decisive, with a deputy clerk informing Trump’s legal team that Judge Jenny Rivera would not intervene. Trump’s lawyers immediately filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that the trial had violated his presidential immunity. Justice Sonia Sotomayor quickly ordered Manhattan prosecutors to respond, paving the way for this historic moment.
This case revolves around payments made to an adult film star before the 2016 election to keep allegations of an affair quiet. Prosecutors demonstrated that Trump authorized falsified business records to cover reimbursement to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, during his presidency. A jury unanimously found these actions a felony, citing violations of New York’s laws.
Trump’s lawyers contended that the jury had no right to consider evidence from his time in office, claiming presidential immunity. However, prosecutors dismissed this argument, emphasizing that no precedent supports such a claim.
The case has seen years of delays, with Trump’s legal team leveraging every possible avenue to postpone proceedings. A Supreme Court ruling barring prosecution for official acts as president gave his attorneys a temporary advantage, but further legal battles have only delayed the inevitable.
The Supreme Court recently declined Trump’s request to delay sentencing, stating that the trial court’s “unconditional discharge” would not impose a substantial burden on his duties. However, dissenting justices expressed concern over the broader implications of rejecting Trump’s appeal.
Trump downplayed the situation in a statement from Mar-a-Lago, calling the case politically motivated but striking a conciliatory tone toward the court’s decision. While he faces no jail time or probation, the conviction remains a landmark moment with far-reaching political implications.
The investigation into Trump’s business dealings began in 2018, uncovering evidence of financial misconduct and irregularities. Though his presidency ended in 2021, the legal challenges surrounding him continue to shape his legacy.
