A historic legal battle unfolds as President-elect Donald Trump faces sentencing in a New York criminal case just days before his anticipated return to the White House.
According to AP News, the Supreme Court rejected Trump's final attempt to delay his sentencing in the hush money case with a 5-4 decision, allowing Judge Juan M. Merchan to proceed with Friday's sentencing for 34 felony convictions related to falsifying business records.
The ruling marks a significant setback for Trump, who was convicted of attempting to cover up a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett aligned with the court's three liberal justices to deny Trump's emergency motion, while Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.
The majority determined that proceeding with sentencing would not pose an insurmountable burden during the presidential transition period.
Their decision was influenced by Judge Merchan's indication that Trump would not face jail time, fines, or probation. The ruling suggests that Trump's appeal arguments can be addressed through standard appeals procedures.
Trump's legal team, led by his solicitor general pick D. John Sauer, had argued for immunity from criminal proceedings as president-elect. They also claimed that certain evidence used in the Manhattan trial violated previous immunity decisions. The defense characterized the case as politically motivated, warning that immediate sentencing could disrupt the presidential transition.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg defended the prosecution's position, stating:
We brought a case. A jury of ordinary New Yorkers returned 34 guilty verdicts. Our function right now primarily is to continue to give voice to that verdict and respect, as a principle -- bedrock principle of the administration of justice -- that the jury's voice must not be rubbed out.
The case has highlighted the intricate relationship between presidential powers and criminal proceedings. Trump's attorneys sought intervention from multiple courts, including New York's highest court, before approaching the Supreme Court. New York judges consistently maintained that the convictions related to personal matters rather than official presidential acts.
The timing of the decision has raised additional questions about judicial independence. Justice Alito confirmed receiving a phone call from Trump shortly before the emergency motion was filed, though he stated the conversation concerned a clerk rather than pending cases. This unusual communication prompted calls for Alito's recusal, particularly from leading Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee.
Speaking from his Florida club, Trump expressed respect for the court's decision while maintaining his intention to pursue further appeals. He stated:
I respect the court's opinion — I think it was actually a very good opinion for us because you saw what they said, but they invited the appeal and the appeal is on the bigger issue. So, we'll see how it works out.
President-elect Donald Trump faces sentencing in New York for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, stemming from an alleged cover-up of hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision allows Judge Juan M.
Merchan to proceed with sentencing on Friday, despite Trump's claims of presidential immunity and requests for delay. The case continues to evolve as Trump's legal team prepares for appeals while he simultaneously manages his transition back to the presidency.
