The US District Court for the Southern District of New York has rejected former President Donald Trump’s request to transfer his New York hush money case to federal court.
The motion, which was filed last week, sought to move the case from state jurisdiction, potentially impacting Trump’s conviction or delaying sentencing until after the upcoming presidential election.
Court’s Ruling
On Tuesday, US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein dismissed Trump’s motion, stating that the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter. Trump’s legal team had argued that the New York state court was biased and that the court’s reliance on evidence of Trump’s official acts violated the Presidential immunity doctrine.
They cited a recent US Supreme Court decision affirming that former presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for actions within their official duties.
Judge Hellerstein countered that, according to the US Supreme Court case Rooker v. Fidelity Trust Co., federal courts do not have the authority to overturn or modify state judgments. He further noted that issues of bias or unfairness in the trial process are within the purview of state appellate courts.
The judge also rejected Trump’s claim of “absolute immunity from criminal prosecution” for actions related to his presidential duties, ruling that Trump had not demonstrated how the hush money payments fell within “bounds of executive authority.”
Next Steps in the Case
The case will continue at the state level, with a ruling from the trial court judge expected on September 16 regarding whether the conviction may be overturned.
Trump’s legal team has sought to delay state court proceedings pending further appeals, including an appeal of Tuesday’s federal ruling to a federal appellate court.
In response to the federal court’s decision, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has urged the state trial judge to move forward with decision-making and sentencing.
This development keeps the focus on the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump and his hush money case, as well as the broader implications for his political and legal future.
For further updates on the case and related legal proceedings, stay tuned to major legal news sources and court announcements.
