New York Court Refuses to Halt Donald Trump's Sentencing in Hush Money Case Ahead of Supreme Court Appeal

New York's highest court has decided not to halt Donald Trump's upcoming sentencing in his hush money case. This leaves the US Supreme Court as Trump's last potential avenue to prevent the hearing scheduled for Friday. A judge from the New York Court of Appeals issued a brief order denying Trump's legal team a hearing.

Trump's lawyers approached the Supreme Court on Wednesday after New York courts refused to delay the sentencing by Judge Juan M. Merchan. Merchan had overseen Trump's trial and conviction last May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors alleged these actions were to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

Legal Arguments and Appeals

In their appeal to New York's top court, Trump's attorneys argued that both Merchan and the state's mid-level appellate court "erroneously failed" to halt the sentencing. They claimed the Constitution mandates an automatic pause during appeals, asserting that the sentencing would disrupt Trump's presidential transition as he prepares for office on January 20.

Prosecutors countered, arguing there is no justification for the high court to intervene in a state case to stop a sentencing delayed at Trump's request. "There is a compelling public interest in proceeding to sentencing," Manhattan prosecutors stated. They added that Trump has not shown evidence that his duties as President-elect prevent him from attending a virtual sentencing, which would likely last less than an hour.

Potential Consequences and Political Implications

While Judge Merchan has indicated he will not impose jail time, fines, or probation, Trump's lawyers contend that a felony conviction would still have severe consequences. They argue it would distract Trump as he prepares to assume office. Trump's attorney D. John Sauer described the case as politically motivated and said sentencing now would be a "grave injustice."

Sauer, who is also Trump's nominee for solicitor general, representing the government before the high court, submitted an emergency motion to the US Supreme Court. This motion was directed to Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who handles emergency appeals from New York.

Immunity and Evidence Concerns

Trump's legal team also contends that evidence used in the Manhattan trial violated last summer's Supreme Court ruling granting Trump broad immunity from prosecution for acts performed as president. They argue that at minimum, sentencing should be postponed while appeals regarding immunity are resolved.

Judges in New York have determined that Trump's convictions pertain to personal matters rather than official presidential acts central to the Supreme Court's ruling. Prosecutors maintain that Trump's claims lack sufficient strength to overturn his conviction and that his appeal should not delay proceedings since it concerns evidence rather than core charges.

A delay now could extend beyond Trump's inauguration, potentially causing a years-long or indefinite postponement, prosecutors warned.