The Supreme Court’s decision forces President-elect Trump to face sentencing for his hush money conviction in New York, with a video appearance allowed

In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has denied Donald Trump’s request to delay his sentencing in the hush money case, leaving the president-elect on track to be formally sentenced on Friday in a New York courtroom. The case stems from Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a payment made to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election.

Trump had hoped the court would intervene, citing a previous ruling on presidential immunity, which granted him and other former presidents protection from prosecution for official acts. However, a majority of the justices ruled that Trump’s appeal could proceed after sentencing, allowing the case to move forward. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, but did not explain their reasons.

While the ruling allows for Trump’s sentencing to proceed, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan has stated he does not intend to impose jail time or probation. The decision makes Trump the first former president or president-elect to be convicted of criminal wrongdoing, a distinction he had hoped to avoid.

Trump’s legal team has repeatedly argued that the criminal proceedings, especially sentencing, would disrupt the transition to his second term and undermine national security. However, the court ruled that these concerns were minimal, especially since Trump could attend the hearing via video feed.

Trump’s conviction arises from efforts to conceal a payment to Daniels through a legal expense classification, which prosecutors argue violated campaign finance laws. Although Trump denies any sexual encounter with Daniels, the case has been a pivotal moment in his ongoing legal battles.

The high court’s denial of Trump’s request has set the stage for the next chapter in his legal challenges, with his defense team vowing to continue the fight on appeal.