The U.S. Supreme Court has declined President-elect Donald Trump’s appeal to postpone his sentencing in the high-profile hush money case, ensuring he will face sentencing in a New York courtroom on Friday.
Trump’s legal team argued that the trial court, the Supreme Court of New York County, failed to honor his immunity as president-elect during the transition period. In a filing earlier this week, his lawyers requested the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and halt the case while they appealed his claim of presidential immunity.
Despite its conservative 6-to-3 majority, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, paving the way for Trump’s sentencing before his January 20 inauguration. The case cements Trump’s position as the first former U.S. president to be criminally prosecuted and convicted.
Conviction and Legal Arguments
Trump was convicted in May 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records. The charges stemmed from a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election, allegedly to secure her silence about an alleged affair—a claim Trump denies. Prosecutors argued the payment was intended to enhance Trump’s chances in the election.
Trump’s legal team contends that his actions were improperly linked to his official duties and insists he is immune from prosecution during the period between his November election win and his inauguration.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump addressed reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, saying, “I read it, and I thought it was a fair decision, actually.” On his social media platform, he added: “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 characterized the sentencing as a milestone, formalizing Trump’s conviction and solidifying his status as the first individual with a felony conviction to assume the U.S. presidency.
Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing, framing the case as a politically motivated attack. As the sentencing approaches, the outcome underscores the legal challenges he faces even as he prepares to take office.
