President-elect Donald Trump has been denied immunity in the “hush money” case in New York, as ruled by Judge Juan Merchan on December 16th. The conduct described in the 34 felony counts of which Trump was convicted earlier this year is deemed unofficial and not entitled to any immunity protections, according to Merchan.
The ruling, following Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, is a result of a U.S. Supreme Court decision reaffirming the immunity of official presidential conduct from criminal prosecution.
Despite Trump’s attorneys arguing that the evidence introduced by New York prosecutors during his trial was protected under the immunity doctrine, Merchan disagreed, stating that none of the challenged evidence was protected.
Even if immunity did apply, Merchan emphasized that the evidence presented in the case did not intrude on the authority and function of the Executive Branch.
The Hill reports that Trump has also sought the dismissal of the jury’s verdict and the entire case based on his White House victory. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has proposed alternatives such as freezing the proceedings during Trump’s term.
“Today’s decision by deeply conflicted, acting Justice Merchan in the Manhattan DA Witch Hunt is a direct violation of the Supreme Court’s decision on immunity, and other longstanding jurisprudence,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s spokesperson and incoming White House communications director.
Additionally, Merchan disclosed that Trump had raised concerns of juror misconduct in a letter dated December 3, with plans to address the issue publicly with redactions.
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