By Ahmed Abdelsalam
A New York appeals court will hear arguments Thursday on whether to overturn Donald Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, a case that made him the first former and current U.S. president with a criminal conviction.
Background of the Historic Conviction
The charges stem from a $130,000 payment to adult film performer Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, which prosecutors said was intended to silence her about an alleged sexual encounter. Trump denies wrongdoing and is not expected to attend the session.
Appeal Arguments Focus on Immunity and Political Pressure
In court filings, Trump's attorneys argue the case resulted from "immense political pressure" on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, calling the legal theory a "house of cards" with insufficient evidence. They also claim presidential immunity covers Trump's discussions about the Daniels matter during his first term.
Prosecutors Defend Verdict and Evidence
Bragg's office counters that the legal theory and jury instructions were legitimate, and that White House-related evidence reflected unofficial conduct. Appeals chief Steven Wu wrote that a president's discussions about private matters do not constitute official acts protected by immunity.
Campaign Finance Allegations and Reimbursements
The trial centered on reimbursements to Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen, logged as legal expenses. Prosecutors argued this falsification concealed a campaign finance violation, while Trump's lawyers maintain the payments were legitimate legal expenses and not hidden campaign spending.
Parallel Federal Court Efforts Continue
Trump has also sought to move the case to federal court and dismiss it on immunity grounds, but a federal judge rejected that bid for a third time in August. Arguments on that appeal are scheduled for November 16.
