Supreme Court Denies Trump’s Request to Pause ‘Hush Money’ Sentencing

In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court denied President-elect Donald Trump‘s lawyers’ demand that Manhattan Supreme Court Juan Merchan pause the sentencing on his hush-money case, which was set for Friday morning. Chief Justice John Roberts and conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett sided with the court’s three liberals. 

Merchan had previously rejected the request, and New York’s highest appeals court also turned down the Trump team. 

Merchan wrote that the best solution would be sentencing Trump to an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail time, fines or probation. He was given the option to appear in person or virtually.

Trump plans to appear virtually, where he can make a statement. His team will appeal the verdict, as promised.

Manhattan jurors convicted Trump in May 2024 for covering up a payout by his former fixer, Michael Cohen, to porn star Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an affair with Trump. 

Prosecutors argue that Trump’s cover-up was not one of his official acts, so it is not covered by presidential immunity. 

“The Supreme Court’s historic decision on Immunity, the state constitution of New York, and other established legal precedent mandate that this meritless hoax be immediately dismissed,” said Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung.

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Article by Janae Antrum