The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected former President Donald Trump’s attempt to delay his sentencing in connection with the hush-money case involving adult film star Stormy Daniels.
The court’s decision, announced on Thursday, January 9, 2025, means that Trump, the 78-year-old president-elect, will proceed with sentencing before New York’s Judge Juan M. Merchan on Friday, January 10, 2025.
Trump’s legal team had filed an application to delay sentencing, arguing that the timing was problematic due to his upcoming inauguration as president on January 20, 2025.
The defense claimed that the sentencing would interfere with his responsibilities related to the presidential transition.
However, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 against the delay, stating that the alleged violations in the state court trial could be addressed during an appeal.
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The justices also noted that the burden of the sentencing would be minimal, given the court’s intent to impose a sentence of “unconditional discharge” following a brief virtual hearing.
In his defense, Trump acknowledged the court’s ruling, stating, “I respect the court’s opinion… but they invited the appeal and the appeal is on the bigger issue. So, we’ll see how it works out.”
His legal team has fought to dismiss the case since his conviction in May 2024, but these efforts have been unsuccessful.
The charges stem from Trump’s alleged involvement in a $130,000 payment to Daniels during the 2016 presidential election, aimed at keeping her quiet about an affair.
He is also accused of falsifying business records to conceal the payment. Trump maintains that these accusations are false.
As Trump prepares for his second, nonconsecutive term in office, he will make history as the first sitting president ever convicted of a felony.