Donald Trump Faces US Supreme Court Setback in Stormy Daniels Bribery Case

Special Correspondent#
Former US President Donald Trump faced a setback in the Supreme Court over a bribery case involving adult film star Stormy Daniels. The case pertains to allegations that Trump paid hush money to Daniels to remain silent about their alleged sexual relationship. Trump had appealed for a postponement of sentencing in this case, but on Friday, the US Supreme Court rejected his plea.

Trump is set to take office as the President of the United States on January 20. However, this ruling by the Supreme Court is expected to create complications for him. Previously, a Manhattan court had found him guilty in the case. However, Judge Juan Merchan had postponed sentencing to avoid interference with the presidential election. Following his election victory, Trump had also requested the withdrawal of the case.

Trump’s lawyers cited a Supreme Court directive in the Manhattan court, which states that US Presidents are entitled to legal immunity for their official actions. However, Judge Merchan ruled that this immunity did not apply to this case, and on Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the same stance. Trump’s lawyers had appealed to delay the sentencing until January 20, but the top court dismissed their plea.

Under US law, the possibility of Trump facing jail time in this case is minimal. He could, however, face financial penalties. Judge Merchan has clarified that he does not intend to impose jail time or a substantial fine on Trump.

The case dates back to the 2016 presidential election, during which Trump allegedly paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels to keep silent about their relationship. It is also alleged that Trump falsified business records to conceal the payment. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, claimed that he facilitated payments to both Daniels and another model, Karen McDougal, on Trump’s behalf. Trump has consistently denied these allegations. At the time, the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, led the investigation into the allegations, prompting Trump and his allies to accuse him of political bias.

In March 2023, a New York grand jury filed charges against Trump in this case, and he was subsequently arrested and questioned in April of the same year. However, Trump was released on bail shortly after his arrest.#