NEW YORK (RTW News) — The recent decision by a federal appeals court has revived Donald Trump's efforts to challenge his hush money conviction, which stemmed from payments made during his 2016 presidential campaign. On Thursday, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals instructed a lower court to reassess its prior conclusion to keep the case within the New York state jurisdiction, rather than allowing it to move to federal court as Trump requested.
A panel of three judges found that U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein may not have fully accounted for crucial issues relevant to Trump's claim of presidential immunity when he previously denied the request to shift the case. The judges specified that they were not expressing any opinion on how Hellerstein should decide this matter, indicating only that further examination is warranted.
The ruling from the appeals court emphasized the need for a thorough review of any evidence that could be connected to official presidential acts. Trump's attorneys have consistently argued that actions taken while he was in office deserve to be tried in federal court, particularly highlighting matters related to payments made via checks during his presidency.
Hellerstein had denied Trump’s motions twice: first after his indictment in March 2023 and again following his conviction in May 2024 for falsifying business records tied to hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The implications of the Supreme Court's rulings surrounding presidential immunity are shaping the legal discourse, potentially affecting Trump's standing concerning this legal battle.
The 2nd Circuit judges clarified that if Hellerstein finds that the case relied on evidence pertaining to acts performed as president, it must be determined whether those acts could be interpreted as part of Trump's official responsibilities.
This latest development in Trump's legal entanglements comes as he faces multiple concurrent criminal proceedings, with this particular case representing an essential focus for both his defense strategy and his political future.
A panel of three judges found that U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein may not have fully accounted for crucial issues relevant to Trump's claim of presidential immunity when he previously denied the request to shift the case. The judges specified that they were not expressing any opinion on how Hellerstein should decide this matter, indicating only that further examination is warranted.
The ruling from the appeals court emphasized the need for a thorough review of any evidence that could be connected to official presidential acts. Trump's attorneys have consistently argued that actions taken while he was in office deserve to be tried in federal court, particularly highlighting matters related to payments made via checks during his presidency.
Hellerstein had denied Trump’s motions twice: first after his indictment in March 2023 and again following his conviction in May 2024 for falsifying business records tied to hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The implications of the Supreme Court's rulings surrounding presidential immunity are shaping the legal discourse, potentially affecting Trump's standing concerning this legal battle.
The 2nd Circuit judges clarified that if Hellerstein finds that the case relied on evidence pertaining to acts performed as president, it must be determined whether those acts could be interpreted as part of Trump's official responsibilities.
This latest development in Trump's legal entanglements comes as he faces multiple concurrent criminal proceedings, with this particular case representing an essential focus for both his defense strategy and his political future.
