A federal judge has denied Donald Trump's request to overturn his hush money conviction, rejecting his attempt to move the case from state court to federal court on grounds of presidential immunity. Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein stated that Trump's arguments were not new or legally sufficient, particularly regarding claims that testimony from former aides and his Twitter statements fell under presidential immunity. Hellerstein emphasized that paying hush money to adult film actor Stormy Daniels and covering up the situation do not qualify for such immunity.
This marks the third time Hellerstein has blocked Trump's efforts to transfer the case to federal court. Trump's legal team has indicated they will appeal the ruling, describing it as "baseless and lawless." They argue that the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity and other legal precedents support their case for removal to federal court.
Trump was convicted in May 2024 of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to Daniels, which he claims was made to prevent disruption to his 2016 presidential campaign. Following his conviction, Trump has sought to have the ruling overturned both through state court appeals and by attempting to move the case to federal court. Hellerstein's recent ruling came after the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals instructed him to reconsider his previous denials, focusing on whether Trump's actions could be considered part of his official duties. Hellerstein concluded that discussions about hush money payments do not fall within the scope of presidential responsibilities.
During oral arguments, Hellerstein criticized Trump's lawyers for their strategy, suggesting that their decision to first seek dismissal in state court may have hindered their ability to pursue federal remedies. He noted that Trump's delay in filing for removal was a strategic decision that did not provide sufficient grounds for reconsideration. Hellerstein's ruling reinforces the legal challenges Trump faces as he continues to contest his conviction.