Trump Seeks Supreme Court Intervention to Block Hush Money Sentencing

President-elect Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block his sentencing in the New York hush money case, scheduled for Friday. Trump’s legal team filed the emergency request on Wednesday after New York courts denied their motion to delay the sentencing. The Supreme Court has requested a response from Manhattan prosecutors by Thursday.

The case stems from Trump’s conviction in May 2024 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over the trial, has indicated that Trump will not face jail time, fines, or probation but will receive an unconditional discharge, allowing the conviction to stand while Trump pursues an appeal.

Trump’s attorneys argue that the Supreme Court’s recent ruling granting him broad immunity from criminal prosecution in a separate election interference case should apply to the hush money trial. They claim that some evidence used against Trump should have been shielded by presidential immunity. Judge Merchan has rejected this argument, stating that being president-elect does not confer the same immunity as being the actual president.

In their filing, Trump’s lawyers requested an immediate stay of the sentencing “to prevent grave injustice and harm to the institution of the Presidency and the operations of the federal government.” The filing was signed by John Sauer, Trump’s pick for solicitor general, who also represented him in the election interference case before the Supreme Court.

The Manhattan District Attorney‘s office has stated it will respond to the Supreme Court’s request in court papers. Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, called for the case to be dismissed, reiterating the defense’s argument that the conviction is politically motivated.

If the sentencing proceeds, Trump’s felony status could have implications beyond the courtroom. In New Jersey, where Trump owns three golf courses, state liquor regulators have been monitoring the case. A felony conviction could jeopardize the liquor licenses at Trump’s clubs in Colts Neck, Bedminster, and Pine Hill, as New Jersey law requires revocation of licenses if the holder or primary beneficiary is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.

Trump’s legal battles continue to unfold across multiple jurisdictions, with his team vowing to appeal the hush money conviction fully. The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to intervene could have significant ramifications for Trump’s presidency and his business interests.