Supreme Court Denies Trump's Request to Block Sentencing

What Happened?

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in a 5-4 vote that President-elect Donald Trump can be sentenced Friday in his criminal hush money case.

The decision to reject Trump's bid came late Thursday as the stage is now set for sentencing just days before his inauguration on Jan. 20.

In a one-page summary, the order stated that the issues raised by Trump 'can be addressed in the ordinary course on appeal' and the burden sentencing will impose on Trump is 'relatively insubstantial.'

The trial court's intent of an 'unconditional discharge' is to not impose any prison time after a brief virtual hearing.

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh said they would grant Trump’s request.

Judge Alito was heavily criticized after he reportedly informed he spoke with Trump during a phone call days prior.

According to reports, Judge Alito said he did not discuss any matters with Trump that surrounded his appeal or any other related matters.

Why it Matters

In a 51-page emergency filing on Wednesday, Trump and his lawyers asked the Supreme Court to intervene as they suggested his sentencing would damage 'the institution of the Presidency and the operations of the federal government.'

Justice Sonia Sotomayor reportedly directed prosecutors from New York to respond to Trump’s request by Thursday at 10 a.m.

In a 44-page response, prosecutors with the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg argued the Supreme Court's jurisdiction over the case before a final judgment of sentence.

They also referenced Trump's 'novel invocation of President-elect immunity.'

Simultaneously, Trump's legal team filed an application Wednesday with the state's highest appeals court seeking to block Friday's sentencing.

That request was rejected Thursday morning by Judge Jenny Rivera, marking the third denial this week.

New York appeals Judge Ellen Gesmer also rejected Trump's emergency petition on Tuesday after his legal team filed a 502-page lawsuit.

Trail Judge Merchan denied Trump's request in New York's Appellate Division First Department late Monday. He ordered him to appear in person or virtually for Friday's sentencing.

Trump has previously requested a hearing date of Jan. 27.

The New York jury's May verdict found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business documents to conceal a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels to influence the outcome of the 2016 election.

The sentencing had been delayed previously due to the 2024 presidential election and Trump's attempt to withdraw the case based on a claim of presidential immunity that Judge Merchan rejected in December.

Trump's legal team has argued the sentencing must be postponed while the higher courts weigh immunity claims.

Those claims had leaned well in Trump's favor in July during a separate case ruled on by the Supreme Court.

The historic verdict now puts Trump on course to be the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes.

How it Affects You

Trump’s challenge to appeal his conviction is still pending.

It is a challenging scenario for a new incoming administration as Trump takes office in less than two weeks.

Having the label of felony conviction while entering office certainly won’t sit well with congressional members across the aisle.

This decision may be an early test during Trump's critical first months in office as he will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.