Judge denies Trump's bid to overturn bribery conviction
Judge Juan Merchan of New York, who presided over Donald Trump's bribery trial, denied his request to overturn the conviction for bribery. The case involves payment to Stormy Daniels for silence about sexual encounters.
Donald Trump pleaded not guilty and argued that the charges should be dismissed because the Supreme Court rules on presidential immunity. Judge Merchan rejected Trump's argument that he was already protected by presidential immunity after winning the election.
Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticised the judge's decision, calling it "a direct violation of the Supreme Court’s decision on immunity." According to him, the Constitution should have dismissed the case.
Trump was to be sentenced in November
The jury convicted Trump of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with his lawyer, Michael Cohen, paying £104,000 for Daniels' silence in the final days of the 2016 presidential election. Trump was to be sentenced on 26th November, but Merchan postponed it indefinitely after the Republican defeated Kamala Harris in the election on 5th November. 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 emphasised 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.
