Trump Seeks to Dismiss Criminal Case Over Hush Money Payments

Donald Trump on Tuesday requested a New York state judge to dismiss the criminal case against him, following his conviction in May on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. 

In a motion filed in Manhattan, Trump’s legal team argued that the case, initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, would impede his ability to govern if it continued after he assumes the presidency on January 20.

Trump’s attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, contended that the charges, which stem from payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign, should be vacated, stating that “local elected officials such as D.A. Bragg have no valid basis to cause such disruptions.” 

The filing, made public on Tuesday, asserts that the ongoing case would create significant obstacles to Trump’s governance, as he prepares for his second term.

The filing also drew attention to Trump’s nominations of Blanche and Bove for top positions at the U.S. Department of Justice. Blanche was nominated for Deputy Attorney General, while Bove was selected as his deputy. The lawyers argue that the timing of the charges against Trump is politically motivated, with Bove further suggesting that the case is an extension of Democratic efforts to impede Trump’s political prospects.

In response to Trump’s motion, prosecutors from Bragg’s office have until next Monday to file their opposition. Last month, Judge Juan Merchan delayed Trump’s sentencing, originally scheduled for November 26, to allow Trump’s defense team to file for dismissal. No new date for sentencing has been set, and Merchan has not indicated when he will rule on the dismissal request.

Trump’s legal team also criticised a suggestion by Bragg’s office to defer proceedings until after Trump’s presidential term ends in 2029, calling it “ridiculous” and arguing that it would unnecessarily prolong the case beyond a decade.

Additionally, Trump’s defense team pointed to President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, as evidence of political bias in the Justice Department. 

Trump’s lawyers have previously claimed that Bragg’s prosecution is politically motivated, citing the involvement of former Justice Department official Matthew Colangelo in the case.

Despite these claims, Bragg operates independently as a local prosecutor, and Attorney General Merrick Garland has denied allegations that the Justice Department orchestrated the case against Trump. Garland testified in June that he did not send Colangelo to assist Bragg’s office.

Chioma Kalu

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