A New York court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict on Friday in Donald Trump's case regarding payment for the silence of porn actress Stormy Daniels. The president-elect asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to halt further proceedings in the New York court. According to lawyers, this could limit his ability to prepare for taking office.
“The (Supreme) Court should immediately stay further proceedings in the New York trial court to prevent grave injustice and harm to the office of the president and the operation of the federal government,” the court wrote in a letter published Wednesday.
Donald Trump's lawyers have requested that the proceedings be suspended until his appeal regarding the issue of presidential immunity is considered. Judge Juan Merchan previously ruled that Trump does not enjoy immunity until he is sworn in as president USA. However, he emphasized that he did not intend to impose a prison sentence or a fine on the president-elect.
Donald TrumpNathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Trump's lawyers argue that just being convicted of a crime would have serious consequences – they also point to an earlier Supreme Court ruling granting Trump and other presidents broad immunity from prosecution for their actions while in office.
Supreme Court ordered prosecutors to respond to the defense's request by Thursday morning.
Payback for silence
According to New York prosecutors, Trump attempted to cover up a $130,000 payment for silence to adult film actress Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. The woman claims she had sexual contact with Trump in 2006, which he denies.
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Stormy DanielsJUSTIN LANE/EPA/PAP
Main photo source: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images