Donald Trump will become U.S. President for the second time. He is set to take office on January 20.
Judge Juan Merchan determined that a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling granting presidents broad immunity for their official actions did not apply in this case, as reported by CNN and The New York Times. The judge stated that the testimony in the trial “pertained solely to non-official conduct, which is not protected by immunity.”
Trump’s lawyers demand case dismissal
Following Trump’s election victory in November, Judge Merchan had postponed the sentencing indefinitely. Trump’s lawyers are seeking a complete dismissal of the hush money case, citing the Supreme Court’s decision, which provided Trump — and all presidents — with extensive protection from criminal prosecution. They argue that the jury in New York should not have been allowed to review certain evidence due to presidential immunity.
Trump was found guilty on May 30 of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment made to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels before his 2016 election victory.
Daniels later went public, alleging a sexual affair with Trump, which he has denied. Prosecutors argued that the payment was intended to improve Trump’s chances of winning the election.
