President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers have formally requested a judge to dismiss his hush money criminal conviction, arguing that continuing the case would disrupt the institution of the Presidency and undermine the transition of power.
The big picture: Trump’s legal team cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, to support their argument, claiming selective prosecution and unfair treatment by the Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg.
- Prosecutors have until December 9th to respond to the request to dismiss the case, and they have expressed willingness to delay the sentencing until after Trump’s potential second term ends in 2029, despite Trump’s attorneys dismissing the idea as “ridiculous.”
Driving the news: The case involves Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim of a past sexual encounter with Trump, a claim he denies.
- The defense filing was signed by Trump’s lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who have been chosen by the president-elect for senior roles at the Justice Department.
- The defense argues that dismissing the case would benefit the public and allow Trump to focus on protecting the nation, with the judge having yet to set a timetable for a decision.
