Federal judge denies Trump's bid to move hush money conviction to federal court, ruling hush money not an official act

U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein denied Donald Trump's motion to transfer his New York hush money case to federal court for a third time, finding the payment to Stormy Daniels and the cover-up were personal conduct, not official acts protected by presidential immunity. The judge called Trump's renewed arguments 'neither new nor legally sufficient' and said Trump's delay in seeking removal forfeited his right. Trump's legal team immediately filed a notice of appeal and a spokesman attacked the ruling as 'baseless and lawless,' vowing a 'powerful appeal' against 'Democrat weaponization.'

“neither new nor legally sufficient” — Judge Hellerstein on Trump's removal motion Quote verified against source