NEW YORK (TNND) — A federal judge in New York expressed skepticism Wednesday about President Donald Trump’s effort to undo or move his hush money conviction into federal court.
Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein criticized Trump’s lawyers for waiting too long after the conviction — and after a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity — to seek federal court intervention.
Trump formally appealed his felony conviction in January 2025, arguing the trial was flawed and politically motivated.
Trump was convicted in May 2024 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to efforts to conceal a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election to prevent her from publicly discussing an alleged affair.
He was sentenced to an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail time or fines, though the felony conviction remains in place unless overturned on appeal.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Hellerstein heard arguments from Trump attorney Jeffrey Wall and Manhattan District Attorney’s Office lawyer Steven Wu, whose office prosecuted the case and is seeking to keep it in state court.
According to The Associated Press, Hellerstein criticized the defense for attempting what he called “two bites at the apple” — first pursuing relief in state court and later seeking to move the case to federal court rather than raising removal arguments earlier.
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The judge reiterated that the conduct underlying the conviction involved personal actions, not official presidential duties.
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