“Stormy Silence: High Court Blocks Attempt to Reveal Trump’s Secret Deals”
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Donald Trump will face sentencing on Friday in a New York court over his “hush money” conviction, after the US Supreme Court refused to grant him a last-minute reprieve. This is a significant development in the highly publicized case, which could have far-reaching implications for Trump’s presidency.
The Supreme Court’s decision comes just hours before sentencing was set to take place in a lower Manhattan state court. Trump’s lawyers had appealed to the High Court on Wednesday, claiming that allowing the case to proceed would create a “constitutionally intolerable risk of undermining national security” and interfere with his efforts to defend himself on 34 felony counts. However, a majority of the justices declined to grant Trump’s appeal, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett joining Chief Justice John Roberts and the three liberals on the bench in refusing to delay the proceedings.
The hush money case against Trump stems from allegations that he paid porn actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 in exchange for her silence about their affair. Trump had denied the affair, but evidence presented at the trial suggested otherwise. The seven-week trial, which took place earlier this year, resulted in Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The judge who oversaw the trial, Judge Juan Merchan, has since set a firm date for Trump’s sentencing, which is set to take place on Friday.
Trump’s lawyers have sought to delay or dismiss the case entirely, citing various legal grounds and arguing that the Supreme Court’s decision earlier this year to grant the president broad official immunity meant the case should be stayed or dismissed. However, the court has refused to grant Trump’s appeal, finding that any potential issues with the evidence presented at the trial could be resolved in the normal course of appeals.
The outcome of the case has significant implications for Trump’s presidency. If sentenced, Trump would be the first former president to be convicted of a crime while in office. The case has also raised important questions about the separation of powers and the president’s ability to act with immunity.
FAQ
Q: What is the “hush money” case against Donald Trump?
A: The case involves allegations that Trump paid porn actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 in exchange for her silence about their affair. Trump had denied the affair, but evidence presented at the trial suggested otherwise.
Q: What are the charges against Trump?
A: Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Q: What is Trump’s punishment expected to be?
A: While Trump may face some punishment, the judge in the case has previously said that he would not impose a fine or jail time.
Q: Why did Trump’s lawyers appeal to the Supreme Court?
A: Trump’s lawyers claimed that allowing the case to proceed would create a “constitutionally intolerable risk of undermining national security” and interfere with his efforts to defend himself. They also argued that the case should be stayed or dismissed, citing the Supreme Court’s earlier decision to grant the president broad official immunity.
Conclusion
The outcome of the “hush money” case against Donald Trump has significant implications for his presidency and the legal system as a whole. While Trump’s lawyers have sought to delay or dismiss the case entirely, the court has refused to grant their appeal. The sentencing, which is set to take place on Friday, will bring an end to the highly publicized case. The outcome is likely to be closely watched, both in the United States and around the world.
