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Sunday, Jan 19, 2025
Outside the box.
U.S. Supreme Court Denies Trump Request to Delay Sentencing in Hush Money Case
The decision allows a New York judge to proceed with sentencing on charges related to payments made to Stormy Daniels.
In a notable decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has denied President-elect Donald Trump’s request to delay sentencing in his New York hush money case, allowing the proceedings to move forward as scheduled.
The court’s decision underscores the legal challenges facing Mr. Trump as he navigates a contentious pre-inauguration period.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court, composed of both conservative and liberal justices, issued an order rejecting Mr. Trump’s emergency motion to defer his sentencing.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court's three liberal justices in denial of the motion, which had sought to postpone sentencing related to Mr. Trump's actions surrounding a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels.
Prosecutors characterized this payment as an effort to conceal claims of a past extramarital encounter.
Mr. Trump has consistently denied any liaison or any wrongdoing in the matter.
Justice Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh expressed dissent, indicating they would have delayed sentencing.
The majority ruled that the impending sentence from Judge Juan M Merchan would not disrupt the presidential transition, as it was understood that the judge would not impose jail time, fines, or probation upon Mr. Trump.
In a statement following the court's decision, Mr. Trump expressed his intent to appeal, stating, '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.' This declaration was made during a dinner with Republican governors at his Florida estate.
Mr. Trump's legal team, led by D.
John Sauer, contended that the Manhattan trial's evidence contradicted an earlier Supreme Court ruling granting him broad immunity from prosecution for acts undertaken in his presidential capacity.
They argued for the postponement of sentencing to preclude any presidential transition distractions.
However, New York prosecutors maintained that the case pertained to personal conduct opposed to official presidential actions.
They argued there was no compelling reason for federal intervention in a state case, and a delay could extend the matter well beyond Mr. Trump’s expected January 20 inauguration.
Local New York courts had previously rejected requests for sentencing delays, with the state’s highest court upholding those decisions.
Mr. Trump's conviction encompasses 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records, with links to payments made to Ms. Daniels, who asserts a sexual encounter with Mr. Trump occurred in 2006—a claim he denies.
While Mr. Sauer did not achieve the desired postponement, his team highlighted previous Supreme Court immunity opinions to argue for excluding specific trial evidence, like testimonies from White House aides.
The Supreme Court’s decision arrives amidst broader legal controversies faced by Mr. Trump, intersecting with ongoing cases including allegations concerning attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Additionally, tension arose around Justice Samuel Alito, who confirmed having a phone conversation with Mr. Trump the day prior to the emergency motion's filing.
Justice Alito clarified that the discussion involved administrative matters unrelated to current cases.
The court’s actions continue to illuminate the complex interplay of law and politics surrounding the former president.
The court’s decision underscores the legal challenges facing Mr. Trump as he navigates a contentious pre-inauguration period.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court, composed of both conservative and liberal justices, issued an order rejecting Mr. Trump’s emergency motion to defer his sentencing.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court's three liberal justices in denial of the motion, which had sought to postpone sentencing related to Mr. Trump's actions surrounding a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels.
Prosecutors characterized this payment as an effort to conceal claims of a past extramarital encounter.
Mr. Trump has consistently denied any liaison or any wrongdoing in the matter.
Justice Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh expressed dissent, indicating they would have delayed sentencing.
The majority ruled that the impending sentence from Judge Juan M Merchan would not disrupt the presidential transition, as it was understood that the judge would not impose jail time, fines, or probation upon Mr. Trump.
In a statement following the court's decision, Mr. Trump expressed his intent to appeal, stating, '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.' This declaration was made during a dinner with Republican governors at his Florida estate.
Mr. Trump's legal team, led by D.
John Sauer, contended that the Manhattan trial's evidence contradicted an earlier Supreme Court ruling granting him broad immunity from prosecution for acts undertaken in his presidential capacity.
They argued for the postponement of sentencing to preclude any presidential transition distractions.
However, New York prosecutors maintained that the case pertained to personal conduct opposed to official presidential actions.
They argued there was no compelling reason for federal intervention in a state case, and a delay could extend the matter well beyond Mr. Trump’s expected January 20 inauguration.
Local New York courts had previously rejected requests for sentencing delays, with the state’s highest court upholding those decisions.
Mr. Trump's conviction encompasses 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records, with links to payments made to Ms. Daniels, who asserts a sexual encounter with Mr. Trump occurred in 2006—a claim he denies.
While Mr. Sauer did not achieve the desired postponement, his team highlighted previous Supreme Court immunity opinions to argue for excluding specific trial evidence, like testimonies from White House aides.
The Supreme Court’s decision arrives amidst broader legal controversies faced by Mr. Trump, intersecting with ongoing cases including allegations concerning attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Additionally, tension arose around Justice Samuel Alito, who confirmed having a phone conversation with Mr. Trump the day prior to the emergency motion's filing.
Justice Alito clarified that the discussion involved administrative matters unrelated to current cases.
The court’s actions continue to illuminate the complex interplay of law and politics surrounding the former president.
