In a significant court setback, a US judge has denied Donald Trump’s bid to throw out his hush money conviction. The ruling, made by Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan, rejected Trump’s claims of presidential immunity following a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Trump’s lawyers had argued that the conviction should be overturned due to the Supreme Court’s decision, which stated that former presidents cannot be prosecuted for actions taken while in office. However, Judge Merchan ruled that Trump’s actions in falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal were “decidedly personal” and did not fall under presidential immunity.
The case stems from a $130,000 payment made to adult film actor Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about a sexual encounter she claimed to have had with Trump in 2006. Trump has rejected all the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
The conviction is a historic one, marking the first time a US president or former president has been convicted of a felony. Trump’s sentencing has been postponed indefinitely, and it is unclear when or if a sentencing date will be set.
