A federal judge has denied former President Donald Trump’s request to move his high-profile hush money case to federal court, ensuring that the case will remain in the New York state court system. Trump, who faces 34 counts of falsifying business records, sought to transfer the case, arguing that the New York courts were biased against him. However, on Tuesday, the judge ruled that there was no legal basis for the request, keeping the case under state jurisdiction.
The charges stem from accusations that Trump made hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign in an effort to cover up alleged extramarital affairs. The payments, prosecutors argue, were improperly recorded as legal expenses, leading to the falsification charges. Trump, who was indicted earlier this year, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Trump’s legal team sought to move the case to federal court, claiming the charges related to actions Trump took while serving as president, which they argued fell under federal jurisdiction. Trump’s lawyers also contended that the former president would receive a fairer trial in federal court, suggesting political bias in the New York state courts. However, the judge rejected these arguments, stating that the case was appropriately being tried in New York.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, Trump is facing charges related to his alleged involvement in election interference tied to the January 6th Capitol attack. In this case, the former president is pleading not guilty to charges from a new indictment filed by special counsel Jack Smith. The latest indictment, which followed a Supreme Court ruling granting Trump immunity from prosecution for official acts taken while president, narrows the scope of the allegations, removing some charges involving government officials.
Trump’s lawyers entered his not guilty plea on his behalf during a federal court hearing on Tuesday, which Trump did not attend in person. The new charges focus on Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, alleging that he engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct the peaceful transfer of power. The case is not expected to go to trial until after the 2024 election, meaning the legal battles will continue to cast a shadow over Trump’s presidential campaign.
Trump has repeatedly denied all allegations in both the New York state case and the January 6th federal case, calling them politically motivated attacks aimed at undermining his candidacy for the 2024 election.
