Summary:

Judge rejected Donald Trump's claim of presidential immunity in the New York business records case.
The court ruled that the evidence presented pertained to unofficial conduct, not covered by immunity.
Trump's legal team argued that the case was politically motivated and that certain evidence should not have been admitted.
Trump's spokesman called the ruling a violation of Supreme Court precedent and labeled the case a "witch hunt."
The legal battle continues, with Trump's motion to dismiss the case still pending.

Trump's Presidential Immunity Claim Rejected in NYC Case

Judge Juan Merchan rejected Donald Trump's request to dismiss charges of falsifying business records, denying claims of presidential immunity. The judge ruled that the evidence presented related to Trump's unofficial conduct, thus not warranting immunity protections. Merchan stated that even if the evidence was considered official conduct, its use as evidence of falsifying business records posed no threat to the Executive Branch.

Key Arguments and Reactions

Trump's legal team argued that evidence admitted during the trial, including testimony from former White House aides and details about presidential actions, should have been excluded due to the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity for official acts. They also argued the case was politically motivated.

Trump's spokesman, Steven Cheung, criticized the decision as a violation of the Supreme Court's ruling and called the case a "witch hunt." Cheung asserted the case should be dismissed to allow Trump to focus on the presidential transition.

The Verdict and Ongoing Legal Battle

Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records following a six-week trial. While Merchan rejected this recent immunity claim, he has yet to rule on Trump's motion to dismiss the case entirely. The legal battle continues.

Source: Fox News