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Former president Donald Trump faces an "uphill battle" to overturn hush money penalties, according to a former US attorney.
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was sentenced on July 11 after being found guilty in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records as part of a scheme to influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to adult film actor Stormy Daniels. Trump denied any wrongdoing and Daniels' allegations of extramarital sexual relations.
On Tuesday, his sentencing was postponed until at least September as Judge Juan Merchan agreed to consider the impact of Monday's Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. The ruling states that former presidents have immunity from prosecution for all official actions, but not for unofficial or personal actions.
Trump's Attorney argued that the court's decision did not simply require a delay in sentencing to overturn Trump's conviction. In an appearance on MSNBC, Barbara McQuade, a former US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan appointed by Barack Obama, said Trump's Attorney would be hard-pressed to argue that the court's decision means the conviction should be overturned.
"I don't think there's anything in this case—the hush money payments to porn stars, the falsification of business records to hide it—I don't think there's any way to characterize any of that as official conduct that's immune from prosecution," McQuade said in The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell.
"I think the only possible argument the Trump team could make is the other part of this decision, where the Supreme Court says that prosecutors can't even use any official acts as evidence in making a case for unofficial acts."
Revisiting the trial to see if any evidence was presented that could be considered official conduct by a president, he said.
Profile Donald Trump is a prominent figure in American politics and business. He served as the 45th President of the United States from January 20, 2017 to January 20, 2021. Trump, a Republican, is known for his unconventional political approach and use of social media to communicate directly with his supporters.
During his presidency, Trump implemented significant tax cuts, deregulated various industries, and implemented more protectionist trade policies, including renegotiating NAFTA and starting a trade war with China. He also focused on restricting immigration, especially from certain Muslim-majority countries, and advocated a wall along the US-Mexico border.
Trump's presidency was marked by controversy, including impeachment proceedings related to his interactions with Ukraine and his response to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. His term in office polarized American politics, with strong opinions both for and against.
Before becoming president, Trump was a businessman and television personality, known for his real estate ventures, including Trump Tower in New York City, and his role on the reality TV show "The Apprentice."
Since leaving office, Trump has remained influential in Republican politics, continuing to shape the direction of the party and endorsing candidates for various offices. His presidency and presence in public life continue to be the subject of debate and analysis.***