In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to postpone President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case, ensuring he will face sentencing in a New York courtroom on Friday.
Trump’s legal team had filed a request on Tuesday, arguing that as president-elect, he should be granted immunity from prosecution during the transition period before his inauguration on January 20. They claimed that the trial court “wrongly refused to recognize the immunity from prosecution of the president-elect during the presidential transition period.”
Despite the Supreme Court’s 6-3 conservative majority, the justices denied Trump’s bid to delay the criminal proceedings. The decision paves the way for Trump to become the first former U.S. president to be sentenced for a crime.
The case centers around allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Daniels claimed that the payment was made to keep her silent about an alleged affair with Trump in 2006, a claim which Trump has consistently denied. Prosecutors argued that the payment was intended to boost Trump’s chances in the 2016 presidential election.
After the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump addressed supporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, stating, “I read it, and I thought it was a fair decision, actually.” He later took to his social media platform, posting, “For the sake and sanctity of the Presidency, I will be appealing this case and am confident that JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL.”
The New York Times reported, “After months of delay, the sentencing will now formalize Mr. Trump’s conviction, cementing his status as the first felon to occupy the Oval Office.”
Trump’s lawyers argue that prosecutors improperly introduced evidence of his official acts during the trial. They maintain that he has done nothing wrong and that he is being targeted unfairly.
This unprecedented situation has captivated audiences around the world, marking a significant moment in American history as a former president faces criminal sentencing.
