With a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling Thursday, President-elect Donald Trump lost his last chance at delaying sentencing in the criminal case where a New York jury convicted him of a felony last May.
With sentencing on Friday, 10 days before his inauguration, Trump has been assured by the judge over the case that he will not face prison time and will be granted an “unconditional discharge,” meaning no penalty will be given.
He will be the first president to enter the White House a convicted felon.
The four justices who supported Trump’s request were Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett voted against delaying sentencing.
According to CNN, the response from the high court was brief, saying “that some of Trump’s concerns could be handled ‘in the ordinary course on appeal.’ The court also reasoned that the burden sentencing would impose on Trump’s responsibilities is ‘relatively insubstantial’ in light of the trial court’s stated intent to impose no penalty.”
Trump said he respected the court’s decision, posting on Truth Social that he did “appreciate the time and effort of the United States Supreme Court in trying to remedy the great injustice done to me.”
He has repeatedly said the legal cases against him are politically motivated.
“To this day, this highly political and corrupt Judge has put a gag order on me, which takes away my First Amendment right to speak about very important aspects of the case. For the sake and sanctity of the Presidency, I will be appealing this case, and am confident that JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL. The pathetic, dying remnants of the Witch Hunts against me will not distract us as we unite,” his post said.
The case stemmed from payments labeled as business expenses in 2016 — ahead of his first presidential win — by Trump’s former lawyer to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to prevent her from going public about a sexual encounter she claimed to have had with Trump back in 2004.
The sentencing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET, where Trump has been granted permission to tune in virtually.