Hush-Money Case Transfer Denied
Federal Judges Block Trump Bid to Move Hush-Money Case to Federal Court
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Key Points
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Judge Hellerstein issued a 35-page ruling stating that Trump's grounds for a second removal are 'neither new nor legally sufficient' and that he 'has failed to show good cause and diligence' for moving the case to federal court.
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An appellate court last fall directed Hellerstein to reconsider the removal question in light of the Supreme Court's July 2024 presidential-immunity ruling, signaling ongoing scrutiny of immunity-based arguments.
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The hush-money case is notable for being the first time a former president has been convicted of a crime.
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The case was brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
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Trump has also filed an appeal in state court in addition to pursuing transfer to federal court, indicating multiple legal avenues are active in parallel.
Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein has blocked Donald Trump's latest attempt to move his New York hush-money case to federal court, rejecting arguments that the case should be transferred based on recent Supreme Court immunity rulings. PBS reports that Hellerstein issued a 35-page decision stating Trump has failed to show "good cause and diligence" for the removal request, marking the third time the judge has denied such a bid.
The conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records — tied to hush payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels — represents a historic first: a criminal conviction of a former U.S. president. CTV News notes that despite Trump's legal efforts, the state court conviction remains intact as he pursues parallel appeals in state court.
Judge Says Immunity Ruling Changes Nothing
Hellerstein emphasized that the Supreme Court's July 2024 presidential immunity decision does not automatically allow removal or reversal of Trump's conviction. PBS reports the judge found Trump's grounds for removal were "neither new nor legally sufficient." An appellate court last fall had directed Hellerstein to reconsider the removal question in light of that immunity ruling, but the judge concluded it did not alter the legal framework for this case.
A Pattern of Failed Legal Challenges
This marks the third rejection of Trump's removal bid from the same judge. News Times reports that Trump has pursued multiple legal strategies simultaneously, including filing appeals in state court while also seeking federal court jurisdiction. Each removal attempt has faced the same legal obstacle: Trump has not demonstrated adequate grounds under federal law for transferring the case from state to federal court.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, brought the original charges against Trump. Despite the conviction and repeated legal setbacks, Trump continues to campaign nationwide while mounting appeals through different legal channels.
What Happens Next in Trump's Appeals
Trump has multiple legal paths remaining. ABC30 indicates that further appeals in state court are ongoing, and supporters argue the case could eventually reach federal court under different legal circumstances. The conviction remains in force while these appeals proceed, but Trump's legal team continues to explore every available option to overturn the verdict.
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