On Wednesday morning, President-elect Donald Trump filed an emergency petition with the United States Supreme Court in an effort to block his upcoming sentencing in the New York hush money case.
The case stems from a Manhattan jury’s verdict finding Trump guilty of falsifying business records in the first degree. The charges were part of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation.
Trump has consistently maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges and appealing the ruling. However, Judge Juan Merchan denied the appeal last week and set sentencing for January 10.
JUST IN: Trump files emergency petition to Supreme Court to prevent sentencing in New York hush money case. pic.twitter.com/rGHIFiVv3M
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) January 8, 2025
Trump spokesman and incoming White House communications director Steven Cheung criticized the New York courts, calling the actions against Trump a “witch hunt.”
“President Trump’s legal team has filed an emergency petition with the United States Supreme Court, urging it to correct the unjust actions of the New York courts and halt the unlawful sentencing,” Cheung said. “The Supreme Court’s historic decisions on immunity, the Constitution, and established legal precedent make it clear that this meritless case should be dismissed immediately.”
Cheung also underscored Trump’s electoral mandate, claiming it reflected public disapproval of the legal proceedings.
“The American people have given President Trump an overwhelming mandate to end the political weaponization of our justice system,” he added. “We are eager to move forward with uniting the country and achieving the goals of the new administration as President Trump makes America great again.”
The Supreme Court has yet to announce whether it will hear the case.
This is a developing story.
