Donald Trump expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court after it declined his request to block his sentencing hearing in New York.
Why It Matters
Trump has frequently criticized legal rulings that didn't align with his interests. His decision not to do so in this instance, despite some conservative justices opposing him, suggests he may be aiming to maintain a favorable relationship with the Supreme Court as he prepares for a potential second term in office.
What To Know
On Thursday, the Supreme Court dismissed Trump's request to delay his sentencing hearing, which was scheduled for Friday.
Trump had sought to halt his sentencing on 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records. These charges stem from payments made by his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels in an effort to silence allegations of an affair. The falsified records allegedly hid reimbursements made to Cohen during Trump's 2016 campaign.
Trump's legal team argued in their appeal that the former president should be immune from prosecution, referencing the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity from July 1, 2024. However, the Court rejected this argument, clarifying that immunity does not apply to presidents-elect.
The ruling was a narrow 5-4 vote, with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett siding with the three liberal justices, diverging from the conservative bloc.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform later that day, Trump thanked the Supreme Court but also launched another attack on New York trial judge Juan Merchan.
What People Are Saying
Trump on Truth Social:
"I appreciate the time and effort of the United States Supreme Court in trying to correct the great injustice done to me by the highly conflicted 'Acting Justice,' who should not have been allowed to try this case.
Every legal scholar has unequivocally stated that this case should never have been brought. There was no case against me. In other words, I am innocent of all the judge's fabricated charges.
This is nothing more than the weaponization of our justice system against a political opponent. It's called Lawfare, and nothing like this has ever happened in the United States, nor should it ever happen again."
He also criticized the $10,000 fines imposed after Judge Merchan determined that Trump had violated a gag order 10 times.
"To this day, this highly political and corrupt judge has imposed a gag order on me, which denies me my First Amendment right to speak about critical aspects of the case. For the sake of the presidency's sanctity, I will appeal this case, confident that justice will prevail. The fading remnants of these witch hunts against me won't distract us as we unite to make America great again!"
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr. issued a statement:
"This ruling ensures that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law."
What Happens Next
Trump's sentencing is scheduled for Friday. Judge Merchan has already indicated he will impose an unconditional discharge, meaning Trump will avoid jail time and will not face any further supervision following the sentencing. Trump is set to be inaugurated as president on January 20.
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