US President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to block his sentencing for covering up hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump’s lawyers filed an urgent application on Wednesday, seeking to suspend the criminal proceedings. This move follows a New York State appeals court’s decision to reject Trump’s effort to delay the sentencing.
Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday for falsifying business records. The conviction stems from a payment made to Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged affair. Trump denies the allegations but has sought to avoid punishment before being sworn in for his second presidential term on January 20.
Supreme Court Filing Cites Presidential Immunity
In their application, Trump’s legal team argued that the proceedings should be halted to prevent harm to the Presidency. “The commencement of President Trump’s interlocutory appeal raising claims of Presidential immunity causes an automatic stay of proceedings in the trial court,” the lawyers wrote.
They argued that the immunity from prosecution granted to sitting presidents should also apply to presidents-elect. This argument had been rejected earlier by New York appeals court associate justice Ellen Gesmer, who dismissed Trump’s request for a delay on Tuesday.
The legal team also referenced last year’s Supreme Court ruling granting former US presidents immunity from prosecution for official acts. However, the judge in Trump’s case, Juan Merchan, previously indicated that the sentencing would likely result in an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail time or conditions.
Trump Faces Sentencing Amid Political Comeback
Trump, 78, faces sentencing as he prepares to return to the White House after winning the 2024 election. He was certified as the winner on Monday, four years after the Capitol riots that marked the end of his first term. The hush money case has been a major legal challenge, with Trump potentially facing up to four years in prison for the conviction.
Despite the legal hurdles, Merchan has suggested Trump will avoid jail time. In a filing last week, the judge indicated that he is leaning toward an unconditional discharge. Trump’s lawyers have called for the case to be dismissed entirely, citing the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling.
The legal battle has drawn intense scrutiny as Trump seeks to avoid sentencing and assume the presidency. His plea to the Supreme Court marks his latest effort to stall the case, emphasizing his belief that the prosecution undermines the federal government and the office of the President.
The decision now rests with the Supreme Court, as Trump races against the clock to avoid sentencing ahead of his second inauguration.
