A Manhattan judge rejected Donald Trump’s latest attempt to dismiss his hush-money conviction on presidential immunity grounds.
Driving The News
On Monday, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan denied Trump's claim that his hush-money case should be dismissed due to immunity, citing that the case is rooted in "personal acts" unrelated to official presidential duties.
Trump's lawyers had argued that evidence tied to his time in office should void the conviction, especially after the Supreme Court’s June ruling granting broad immunity to presidents.
Merchan disagreed, emphasizing that a president is “not above the law” and that any official-act evidence was irrelevant in light of "overwhelming evidence of guilt."
Why It Matters?
This decision keeps Trump's hush-money conviction intact as his lawyers prepare to escalate their fight to higher courts, possibly the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Big Picture
The conviction stems from Trump's 2017 actions to falsify 34 business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
A jury found Trump guilty on all counts in May.
Trump’s team has unsuccessfully argued that his actions fell within his role as president and that immunity extends to a president-elect.
What They're Saying?
Trump’s legal team claims the hush-money charges raise significant “federal questions” and threaten the "orderly transition of power" as Trump approaches a potential second term.
State of Play
Trump’s sentencing remains unscheduled after being delayed multiple times.
Prosecutors insist that the conviction should stand, even if Trump’s sentencing occurs after he takes office.
Between The Lines
Merchan also addressed Trump’s claims about "official-act evidence," including testimony from former White House communications director Hope Hicks.
Hicks described Trump’s relief that news of the payment broke after the election.
Trump's lawyers argued such evidence was official and retroactively inadmissible.
The judge dismissed the claim, stating any such evidence was insignificant compared to the case's broader evidence.
What’s Next?
Merchan is still reviewing defense allegations of “juror misconduct” and related motions to dismiss the case.
Prosecutors want associated documents sealed, while Trump’s team is pushing for their release in redacted form.
The Bottom Line
Trump’s immunity defense has failed — for now — as the hush-money conviction holds firm under New York law.
Comments