A federal judge has once again denied President Donald Trump’s request to nullify his New York hush-money conviction. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein refused to transfer the case to federal court or dismiss it based on presidential immunity. Trump’s felony conviction thus remains, even as he continues to challenge it while serving in office.
Reason for the Rejection
Judge Hellerstein found no justification to revisit previously rejected arguments. Trump’s claim that his conviction should be voided because the related acts were tied to his presidency was dismissed. Hellerstein stated that Trump’s latest submission did not introduce information that could alter earlier conclusions. This suggests the court perceives these motions as attempts to resubmit previously settled issues without new evidence or legal insight.
The decision underscores the distinction between Trump’s federal position and the state-level actions central to this case. Trump was convicted in New York in 2024 on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records. These counts were linked to reimbursements to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a hush payment to Stormy Daniels. Judge Hellerstein has consistently ruled that these acts were personal, not presidential, disqualifying federal court removal.
Implications for Trump’s Conviction
While the ruling does not alter Trump’s sentence—an unconditional discharge granted earlier in the year—it maintains his conviction as Trump continues with appeals. His legal team argues for dismissal, citing alleged interference with federal authority and immunity for campaign-related acts. Judge Hellerstein’s decision undermines this argument once more, directing Trump’s appeal efforts to state appellate courts only.
The origin of the conviction dates back to before Trump’s return to the presidency. Manhattan prosecutors charged him with falsifying business records to hide reimbursements to Cohen, who paid $130,000 to Daniels during the 2016 campaign. In May 2024, a jury found Trump guilty on all charges, marking him as the first U.S. president convicted of a felony.