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President Donald Trump has formally appealed his New York hush money conviction, arguing that the trial was flawed and politically motivated. In a filing, Trump's legal team asked the Appellate Division's First Department to overturn the conviction, which they describe as "the most politically charged prosecution in our Nation's history." The appeal comes 17 months after a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign.
Trump's lawyers claim that the trial was marred by improper evidence and overseen by a biased judge. They argue that Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, should have recused himself due to his political contributions to Democratic candidates and his daughter's work for a digital agency with Democratic clients. Trump's team also contends that the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity should have prevented the use of certain evidence related to Trump's official acts as president, including testimony from former aides.
The appeal is part of Trump's broader effort to clear his name and remove his status as a felon. Despite his conviction, Trump faced no jail time and won reelection in 2024. His legal team is also pursuing a separate appeal in federal court, seeking to transfer the state case to federal court, which could potentially lead to the Supreme Court erasing his criminal record.
Trump's conviction stemmed from his former attorney Michael Cohen's testimony that Trump directed him to pay $130,000 to Daniels to prevent her from going public about their alleged affair. Cohen claimed that Trump signed off on a plan to disguise the reimbursement as legal fees. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the charges were politically motivated.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, has not commented on the appeal. Trump's legal battles continue as he seeks to overturn the conviction and address other legal challenges.