The US Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s urgent plea to postpone the punishment of his quiet cash situation. In a short, anonymous order, the judge ruled 5-4 that the “burden that sentencing may impose on the President-Elect’s responsibilities is somewhat insubstantial” and confirmed that Trump may be permitted to attend the proceedings virtually.
The court more acknowledged that the presiding judge has indicated strategies for an “unconditional release” word, which excludes prison, economic sanctions, or control.
Following his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records regarding a payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in May, Trump is scheduled to receive his sentence in Manhattan on Friday at 9.30 am ( 1430 GMT ), according to news agency AFP.
Trump, who takes office on January 20, requested a delay in sentencing on Wednesday by sending an urgent request to the Supreme Court.
In a largely unanimous decision, the court, which includes three justices appointed by Trump, denied his urgent request to halt sentencing.
Four conservative justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh supported Trump’s postponement request. However, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, both conservatives, joined the court’s three liberal justices in rejecting the president-elect’s bid.
Barrett, along with Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, were appointed to the Supreme Court by Trump.
The 78-year-old president-elect’s legal team attempted various strategies to prevent sentencing, contending it would constitute a “grave injustice” and negatively impact presidential operations and governmental functions. They also sought to extend presidential immunity to the president-elect status.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg countered these claims on Thursday, emphasising that Trump was a private citizen when” charged, tried, and convicted”. According to Bragg, the Supreme Court is not able to handle criminal cases involving state courts.
The top court’s order confirmed Trump’s right to appeal through New York state courts. Judge Juan Merchan previously stated that he would grant a conditional discharge and that Trump would attend the sentencing hearing in person on Friday in Manhattan.
Trump becomes the first former US president with a criminal record and the first person to be imprisoned for serving as president with this conviction. Four years after his supporters ‘ Capitol riots following his 2020 defeat, he has been certified as the winner of the 2024 presidential election.
