Trump fights to delay sentencing as he appeals judge's decision

In New York, a series of court decisions have denied President-elect Donald Trump's attempts to postpone his sentencing related to hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. On Thursday before his scheduled sentencing, New York's highest court rejected Trump's request to stay the proceedings. This refusal followed an emergency request denied earlier by a mid-level appeals court judge. Prosecutors argued that the president-elect has no basis for presidential immunity regarding these charges and urged the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the sentencing to proceed as planned. Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, linked to payments made to silence allegations of a past affair during his campaign. Prosecutors maintained that Trump’s actions did not pertain to official presidential duties, hence should not qualify for immunity. The judge overseeing the case, Juan Merchan, indicated he intends to issue an unconditional discharge, a legal decision that upholds Trump's conviction without imposing jail time or fines. The judge's rulings on Trump's immunity have catalyzed significant legal discussions, highlighting the challenges of prosecuting a sitting or president-elect. Trump's legal team has argued that the proceedings threaten the integrity of the presidential transition, raising questions about how criminal proceedings intersect with presidential duties. Additionally, Trump's legal representatives have voiced concerns regarding the implications of the ruling on presidential power, suggesting a precedent that may shape how cases against future presidents are approached. The situation underlines the complexities the U.S. legal system faces when dealing with a former president facing criminal charges while simultaneously transitioning to office. Amidst these legal challenges, Trump intends to appeal the rulings, seeking to have his conviction dismissed as part of broader legal maneuvers as he navigates these unprecedented legal waters during his return to the White House.