The Supreme Court dismissed Donald Trump’s emergency request to delay his sentencing in the hush money case. This decision clears the way for the proceedings to take place as scheduled on Friday, just ten days before Trump’s inauguration as president.
Trump’s legal team had argued that the timing of the sentencing would unfairly damage his reputation before he takes office. Despite these efforts, lower courts and now the Supreme Court have rejected his appeals.
The court stressed that the sentencing will not interfere with Trump’s ability to fulfill presidential duties. Instead, it highlighted the largely symbolic nature of the process.
Legal Guilt Without Further Punishment?
The judge overseeing the case suggested that Trump might receive an “unconditional discharge.” This outcome would officially confirm his legal guilt without imposing additional penalties, such as fines or imprisonment.
The case centers on $130,000 in hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump reportedly authorized this payment to secure an advantage in the 2016 presidential election.
In May, a jury in New York found Trump guilty on 34 charges, including falsifying business records to hide the payment. This conviction marked a historic first: no other former U.S. president has ever faced a criminal conviction.
Trump Challenges the Conviction
Trump continues to contest the guilty verdict. He has called the case illegitimate and vowed to fight it through the appeals process. His defense team argues that U.S. presidents have broad immunity for their actions, citing a prior Supreme Court decision.
However, the judge ruled that this immunity does not apply. The hush money payments occurred before Trump assumed the presidency and were carried out in his capacity as a private citizen.
Trump’s legal team plans to revisit this argument in higher courts. With the Supreme Court leaning conservative after Trump’s appointments, future rulings could significantly shape the case’s outcome.
Trump sentencing delay request: China Sends a Representative to Trump’s Inauguration
Chinese President Xi Jinping has decided to send a high-ranking envoy to Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This marks a rare diplomatic move, especially given the tense relations between the two nations.
According to the Financial Times, the envoy may be Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The representative is also expected to hold discussions with Trump’s transition team during the visit.
This development comes after Trump extended a formal invitation to Xi. Analysts suggest that the gesture, while ceremonial, could set the tone for future U.S.-China relations. Some see this as an opportunity to address ongoing tensions, while others believe it serves as political theater.
