President-elect Trump is asking the highest court in the nation to delay his sentencing in a New York criminal case tied to alleged falsified business records.
Key Facts:
– President-elect Trump filed an emergency Supreme Court petition Wednesday morning.
– The case, New York v. Trump, led to a January 10 sentencing date by Judge Juan Merchan.
– Trump’s legal team asserts that presidential immunity should bar the sentencing.
– The judge has indicated he will not impose prison time.
– Trump remains scheduled to be sworn in on January 20 as the 47th President.
The Rest of The Story:
Trump was convicted of falsifying business records after a politicized investigation led by Soros backed Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Even though he pleaded not guilty, a jury found him guilty, and Judge Merchan set sentencing for January 10.
Trump’s lawyers argue that the state court has overstepped by proceeding with sentencing, pointing to earlier rulings from the Supreme Court recognizing that a president is generally shielded from prosecution for official acts.
According to Trump spokesman Steven Cheung, the petition asks the Supreme Court to “stop the unlawful sentencing,” claiming the charges are part of a broader “witch hunt.”
Trump’s legal team believes this move aligns with the Court’s prior decisions on constitutional protections.
They also maintain that the District Attorney’s office presented improper evidence relating to presidential acts during the trial, which they say should never have been allowed.
Judge Merchan has already stated he plans to issue an “unconditional discharge,” meaning Trump will not be sent to prison.
However, Trump wants to ensure the court does not hand down any penalty while his appeals progress.
New York state prosecutors must file a response to Trump’s latest Supreme Court petition by Thursday morning.
Trump has consistently insisted he is innocent of these charges, labeling them as politically driven.
He continues to argue that the legal battles are a calculated effort to damage him politically as he prepares to take office.
🚨 BREAKING: BREAKING: President-Elect Donald Trump asks Supreme Court to block sentencing in his hush money case in New York. pic.twitter.com/L4jNIy4JG2
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 8, 2025
The Bottom Line:
Trump’s emergency appeal to the Supreme Court is aimed at blocking any sentencing before he takes office.
While the judge says incarceration is off the table, Trump’s team views any sentence as an infringement on his rights.
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The Supreme Court’s decision will likely define how far presidential immunity extends in criminal matters.