NEW YORK — As Donald Trump works to challenge his hush money conviction, the New York Democrat with pardon authority has indicated that she would require a demonstration of remorse before considering any clemency.


New York Governor Kathy Hochul responded on Wednesday to inquiries about the possibility of pardoning Trump, following a judge’s decision earlier this week that upheld Trump’s conviction despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling addressing presidential immunity. “The state of New York has a process for pardoning, which is quite comprehensive,” Hochul said at a press conference unrelated to the topic. “An essential aspect of this process is showing remorse.”


Hochul elaborated that when making such significant decisions, she would treat all individuals equally, stating, “No one will be treated any better, or worse, by me when I make those life-altering decisions as we evaluate the petitions that come in throughout the year.” She emphasized that there would be no special treatment or harsher penalties based on an individual’s identity.


Trump has been striving for months to reverse his conviction, which he received on May 30 for 34 counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors asserted that he manipulated documents to hide a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, aimed at suppressing her claims of an extramarital affair from a decade ago, allegations that Trump denies.


On Monday, a New York judge rejected Trump’s attempts to dismiss the case, in light of the recent Supreme Court decision. Prosecution representatives indicated willingness to postpone sentencing until Trump concludes his term, yet maintain that the sentence should remain in effect. As of now, there is uncertainty regarding when or if a sentencing date will be established.


In a recent court document, Trump’s legal team referenced a post from Senator John Fetterman, who used vulgar language to criticize the prosecution over the hush money incident. The Pennsylvania Democrat implied that Trump warranted a pardon, likening his situation to that of Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, who was pardoned after facing tax and firearm-related charges.


Fetterman voiced his concern on social media last week, stressing that “using the judicial system for blatant partisan purposes undermines public trust in our institutions and creates further division.”


It is important to note that Trump’s hush money conviction falls under state jurisdiction. Consequently, a presidential pardon, whether issued by President Biden or potentially by Trump himself upon taking office, would not be applicable, as such pardons are reserved for federal offenses.