Trump Appeals Criminal Conviction in Hush Money Case
By Michael R. Sisak, Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is appealing his criminal conviction, seeking to overturn a jury verdict that found him guilty of 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The case heads to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday, where a three-judge panel will hear arguments on Trump’s request to move the case from state court to federal court.
Trump’s legal team argues that as a former president, he is entitled to seek federal jurisdiction, claiming that his actions were tied to his official duties. The Manhattan district attorney’s office, which prosecuted Trump, is pushing to keep the case in state court. Trump’s former criminal defense lawyers now hold prominent positions within the Justice Department, which supports his appeal.
In May 2024, Trump was convicted following a trial that centered on allegations he attempted to conceal damaging information during the 2016 presidential campaign. He contends the prosecution is politically motivated, labeling it a "witch hunt." He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein previously denied Trump’s requests to dismiss the conviction based on presidential immunity arguments. The judge ruled that the charges stemmed from Trump’s personal conduct, rather than any actions taken while in office. Trump’s legal team argues that the prosecution erred by introducing evidence related to his presidency, which they claim should have been excluded based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
If unsuccessful in the appeals court, Trump may escalate the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he hopes for a favorable ruling on his contentious presidential immunity claim.
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