Trump remains convicted in hush money case

A judge in New York has decided that the conviction of incoming President Donald Trump for paying hush money will remain valid for the time being. Trump had just asked for the case to be dropped after a ruling by the US Supreme Court on immunity for presidents.

In July, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that presidents have immunity from criminal prosecution for “official acts” they perform while in office.

Judge Juan Merchan in New York ruled that the charges in the hush-money case related to “unofficial conduct.” This means that Trump cannot claim immunity. A Trump spokesperson said they believe the ruling conflicts with the Supreme Court’s previous ruling.

The case revolves around payments that then-lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn actress Stormy Daniels. He would have wanted to prevent a sex scandal in the run-up to the 2016 presidential elections, which were won by Trump. Trump and Daniels are said to have had an affair in 2006.

Daniels would like to reveal all kinds of incriminating details about their relationship. Trump would have wanted to prevent that by paying her $130,000.

The payment was recorded in his administration as legal costs. He thus committed forgery, the New York court ruled in May this year. Trump has always denied doing anything wrong in this case.

Trump can still appeal the ruling not to grant him immunity. If the conviction stands, Donald Trump will become the first convicted criminal to take a seat in the White House when he is sworn in in January.