A federal judge has rejected former President Donald Trump's attempt to transfer his New York criminal case to federal court.

According to The Daily Caller, Judge Alvin Hellerstein ruled against Trump's argument for presidential immunity and determined that the court lacked grounds to assess alleged bias in the case.

The case involving 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments will remain in state court. Hellerstein's decision reaffirms a previous ruling from July 2023, emphasizing that such payments fall outside the scope of presidential duties.

Judge's Ruling On Presidential Immunity And Jurisdiction

Judge Hellerstein's ruling addressed two main points in Trump's request to move the case. First, he rejected the argument of presidential immunity, stating that the hush money payments were not related to official presidential acts. This decision aligns with his previous ruling on the matter.

Hellerstein wrote in his decision:

Hush money paid to an adult actress is not related to a President's official acts. It does not reflect in any way the color of the President's official duties.

The judge also determined that the federal court does not have jurisdiction to evaluate claims of bias or unfairness in the state trial. He emphasized that such issues should be addressed by state appellate courts.

Trump's Legal Team's Arguments For Transfer

Trump's legal team filed the request to move the case to federal court on August 29, 2024. Their arguments were based on two main points: the Supreme Court's July ruling on presidential immunity and concerns about potential bias in the state court.

The request cited the Supreme Court's decision that presidents are immune from prosecution for "official acts" taken while in office. Trump's lawyers attempted to frame the hush money payments within this context of official presidential duties.

Additionally, the legal team raised concerns about potential bias, noting that the daughter of Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the state case, had previously worked for Vice President Kamala Harris' 2020 presidential campaign.

Implications For Trump's Criminal Case

Judge Hellerstein's decision means that Trump's criminal case will proceed in the New York state court system. This ruling maintains the original jurisdiction and keeps the case under the purview of Judge Juan Merchan.

The decision also reinforces the distinction between a president's official acts and private actions. By emphasizing that hush money payments fall outside the scope of presidential duties, the ruling potentially narrows the application of presidential immunity in similar cases.

Trump's team may still have options to appeal this decision or raise their concerns about potential bias through the state court system. However, for now, the case remains on track in its original venue.

Upcoming Sentencing And Election Considerations

With the transfer request denied, attention now turns to the upcoming sentencing in the case.

Trump's sentencing is currently scheduled for September 18, 2024, but his legal team has requested a postponement.

The former president has asked for the sentencing to be delayed until after the upcoming election. This request highlights the potential political implications of the case, as Trump is currently running for president in the 2024 election.

Prosecutors have not contested the request for a delay in sentencing. This lack of opposition may indicate a willingness to avoid potential accusations of attempting to influence the election through the timing of the legal proceedings.

Conclusion

Judge Hellerstein's ruling keeps Trump's hush money case in New York state court, rejecting arguments for presidential immunity and federal jurisdiction. The decision reaffirms that the payments were private acts outside of official presidential duties.

The case will proceed in state court, with potential appeals through the state system. Trump's team has requested a delay in sentencing until after the 2024 election, a motion that prosecutors have not opposed.