A New York judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump’s hush money conviction stands, rejecting his argument that it should be dismissed based on a recent immunity ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court. As per the sources of Leaders team, the ruling, delivered by Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan on Monday, maintains Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts related to “unofficial conduct” during his time in office, despite the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in July that granted presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office.
Judge Merchan, who oversaw Trump’s trial earlier this year, found that the evidence presented at trial was unrelated to official duties as president, emphasizing that not everything a president does is considered official. This decision preserves Trump’s historic conviction, which could make him the first felon to serve in the White House if upheld.
According to the reports of Leaders team, Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the ruling, calling it a violation of the Supreme Court’s immunity decision and insisting that the case should have been dismissed. Trump’s conviction stems from his role in covering up a 2016 payment made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to an adult film star to keep quiet about an alleged affair.
While Trump has denied any wrongdoing, the ruling now sets the stage for further legal battles, including potential delays and appeals. It remains to be seen whether Judge Merchan will issue a sentence before Trump’s re-election in January 2025.
