Judge’s Decision Shocks Trump After Conviction Fallout

A federal judge has denied Donald Trump’s bid to intervene in his New York hush money conviction.

At a Glance

A federal judge rejected Donald Trump’s request to intervene in his hush money criminal case.
Judge Alvin Hellerstein ruled against moving the case to federal court.
Judge Hellerstein emphasized that the hush money payments were private, unofficial acts.
Trump’s lawyers have filed a notice of appeal in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

Federal Judge Denies Trump’s Bid

U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein has turned down former President Donald Trump’s request to intervene in his hush money disbursements case. The conviction stems from payments allegedly made to silence claims of misconduct dating back to Trump’s 2016 election campaign. This decision is a significant setback for Trump as he navigates his ongoing legal issues.

Judge Hellerstein’s ruling prevents the case from being moved to federal court, rejecting arguments from Trump’s legal team. Trump’s lawyers filed a notice of appeal in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals shortly after the decision. This appeal signifies their continuing efforts to challenge the conviction and seek a more favorable legal outcome.

Judge’s Rationale Explained

Hellerstein clarified that the actions in question were personal acts, not official functions subject to presidential immunity. “The hush money payments’ at issue in Trump’s case ‘were private, unofficial acts, outside the bounds of executive authority,'” he noted.

BREAKING: Federal judge rejects Donald Trump's request to intervene in wake of hush money conviction https://t.co/hWA8VR4tXq

— The Associated Press (@AP) September 3, 2024

The judge dismissed claims from Trump’s defense about bias and impropriety in the state court trial, noting that such accusations are matters for state appellate courts to evaluate. “It would be highly improper for this Court to evaluate the issues of bias, unfairness or error in the state trial,” Hellerstein wrote.

Future Legal Actions

Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records relates to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. Sentencing options for these charges can include up to four years in prison, probation, or a fine. Judge Merchan is expected to rule on Trump’s requests to delay his Sept. 18 sentencing and to overturn his conviction.

Federal judge rejects Donald Trump's request to intervene in wake of hush money conviction: https://t.co/3MIRAb5aQk

— WDRB News (@WDRBNews) September 4, 2024

Prosecutors’ Stance

The Manhattan district attorney’s office has declined to comment on Hellerstein’s decision but opposed delaying post-trial decisions. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo said prosecutors have not yet decided on whether to delay sentencing, deferring to Merchan for an “appropriate post-trial schedule.” Prosecutors indicated they are open to a schedule that allows “adequate time” to evaluate Trump’s motion while also avoiding unreasonable delay in sentencing.

“In a letter Tuesday, assistant district attorney Matthew Colangelo reiterated that prosecutors have not staked a position on whether to delay sentencing, deferring to Merchan on an ‘appropriate post-trial schedule’.”

In the interim, Trump has the option to pursue a state appeal or seek review from the U.S. Supreme Court. This ongoing legal battle underscores the complex and persistent challenges he faces following his tenure as president.