Trump's Legal Team Appeals Hush Money Case, Seeking to Block Sentencing

<img src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1242456869/photo/former-us-president-donald-trump-sits-in-the-courtroom-during-his-hush-money-trial-at-manhattan.jpg?s=612x612&w=gi&k=20&c=o4nW_R4L06gF2L4Q6p_W91V6h5kY4gKz7l502r-uXg=" alt="Donald Trump in court">

President-elect Donald Trump's lawyers filed a motion to appeal his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The case stems from a 2016 hush-money payment made to Stormy Daniels. The appeal aims to halt his upcoming sentencing scheduled for January 10th.

The appeal argues: that the sentencing should be automatically stayed pending the appeal's outcome, which could take months. The legal team contends that the case should be dismissed based on the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity from prosecution for official acts while in office and referencing the Constitution's Supremacy Clause.

Judge Juan Merchan's Response: While previously stating he wasn't inclined to impose jail time, probation, or fines, he rejected the arguments for dismissing the case. He will decide whether to grant an immediate stay.

Trump's Spokesman's Statement: Steven Cheung called the case a "Witch Hunt" and asserted that the Supreme Court's immunity decision mandates dismissal.

Trump's scheduled to be sworn in as president on January 20th for his second term. The outcome of this appeal will significantly impact this transition.