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Judge rejects Donald Trump’s appeal in hush money conviction

The case revolves around a $130,000 payment to adult actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.

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Donald Trump, the US President-elect, is facing a major legal hurdle before returning to the White House on January 20.

 A New York judge has rejected his effort to overturn a conviction tied to a hush money payment, raising questions about his presidency.

If Trump’s conviction is not overturned, he will become the first US president to serve as a felon.

In Manhattan, Judge Juan Merchan dismissed Trump's bid to throw out his conviction. Trump’s legal team argued the charges should be dismissed based on a Supreme Court ruling that presidents cannot be prosecuted for actions taken while in office.

The judge disagreed, stating the charges were about “personal acts” and had nothing to do with presidential duties. He also noted there was overwhelming evidence of guilt, even if some evidence used in the trial could be challenged.

 

What Is the Hush Money Case About?

The case revolves around a $130,000 payment to adult actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. Daniels claimed she had an affair with Trump in 2006. Prosecutors said the payment was meant to keep her silent before the 2016 presidential election.

In May, a jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records related to this payment. He was convicted on 34 counts, marking a significant legal defeat.

Trump’s lawyers tried to use a recent Supreme Court decision to overturn the case. The court had ruled that presidents have immunity from prosecution for actions taken while in office.

However, Judge Merchan ruled that the hush money payments were personal matters, not connected to Trump’s presidential duties. He dismissed the claim in a detailed 41-page decision, saying any mistakes in how evidence was used were harmless.

Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, called the ruling a violation of the Supreme Court's decision. He said the case was “lawless” and should be thrown out immediately.

Trump’s legal team also argued that keeping the conviction could disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. They suggested delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029.

If the conviction stands, Trump will become the first felon to serve as US president. This raises unique legal and political challenges. Prosecutors have suggested postponing sentencing until Trump leaves office, but no final decision has been made.

This case is one of four criminal cases Trump faced this year. The hush money case is the only one to go to trial so far.

In November, special counsel Jack Smith dropped two cases against Trump. These involved allegations of election interference and the illegal handling of classified documents. Smith cited Trump’s return to the White House as the reason for ending those investigations.

The clock is ticking for Trump’s legal team. Unless the conviction is overturned soon, Trump will return to the White House with the unique distinction of being the first president with a felony conviction.

 

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