Judge Merchan Upholds Trump's 34 Felony Convictions in Hush Money Case

Dec 17, 2024, 12:30 AM

Judge Juan Merchan in New York rejected President-elect Donald Trump's bid to dismiss his conviction in the hush money case involving payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump, who was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal, had argued that the Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity should nullify his convictions. However, Merchan ruled that the immunity does not apply to "unofficial conduct entitled to no immunity protections" occurring before Trump's presidency, and thus the convictions stand. The decision maintains Trump's criminal conviction ahead of his return to office next month.