Federal Judge Rejects Trump's Bid to Overturn Hush Money Conviction

A federal judge on Friday rejected Donald Trump's effort to overturn his hush money conviction, denying his request to move the state court case to federal court and dismiss it on grounds of presidential immunity. Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein stated that the reasons Trump provided for renewing his request were "neither new nor legally sufficient," and added that Trump had failed to demonstrate good cause and diligence. This marks the third time Hellerstein has blocked Trump's attempts to transfer the case from the New York court where he was tried and convicted. Trump's legal team plans to appeal the ruling, which they described as "baseless and lawless." In a statement, they argued that the Supreme Court's decision on immunity and other legal precedents warranted the case's removal to federal court and its dismissal. Trump was convicted in May 2024 of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with Trump prior to the 2016 presidential campaign. He received an unconditional discharge, which left his conviction intact but did not impose any punishment. Trump is also challenging his conviction through the state court appellate process. Hellerstein's recent decision followed a federal appeals court's order for him to reconsider his previous denial. During oral arguments in February, Hellerstein criticized Trump's legal strategy, suggesting that the decision to first seek dismissal in state court may have hindered Trump's ability to pursue federal remedies. Trump's lawyers argued that they were under time constraints due to the proximity of the Supreme Court's ruling and Trump's sentencing. Hellerstein indicated that Trump's delay in filing for removal was a strategic decision, stating that the law disfavors seeking a "second bite at the apple."