Judge denies Trump's bid to overturn bribery conviction
Judge Juan Merchan of New York, who presided over Donald Trump's trial related to bribery allegations, denied Trump's request to overturn the conviction. The case involves a payment to Stormy Daniels for her silence about alleged sexual encounters.
Donald Trump pleaded not guilty and argued that the charges should be dismissed due to a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. Judge Merchan rejected Trump's argument, stating that he is not protected by presidential immunity despite winning the election. "This court disagrees," the judge stated.
Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the decision, calling it "a direct violation of the Supreme Court’s decision on immunity." He argued that the case should be dismissed in accordance with the Constitution.
Trump's sentencing was scheduled for November
The jury convicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with his lawyer, Michael Cohen, paying $130,000 for Daniels' silence in the final days of the 2016 presidential election. Trump was scheduled to be sentenced on November 26, but Merchan postponed it indefinitely after the Republican defeated Kamala Harris in the election on November 5. The judge has not set a new sentencing date.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney's office, the lower court's verdict should be upheld. Merchan agreed, citing "overwhelming evidence of guilt." He emphasized that some charges relate solely to unofficial actions not protected by immunity.
As NBC News highlights, Trump faces additional charges related to "misconduct," but details have not been disclosed. Judge Merchan has called on lawyers to address these issues.
