Lawyers representing former President Donald Trump are now asking a federal court to seize his New York criminal trial from the state, citing concerns of Constitutional violations and unfair proceedings.
In a recent filing, Trump's attorneys argued that the ongoing trial poses direct harm to the former President, who is also a potential candidate in the 2024 Presidential election. They raised objections to a scheduled sentencing that could lead to Trump's immediate incarceration, potentially disrupting his political campaign.
The legal team emphasized that Trump's immunity as a former President was violated during grand jury proceedings and the trial itself, pointing to evidence related to his official acts while in office. They referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld Presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
Trump's campaign spokesman echoed these sentiments, labeling the Manhattan District Attorney's investigation as a 'Witch Hunt' that disregards Constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court's stance on Presidential immunity.
Despite previous attempts to transfer the case to federal court, a judge ruled against Trump's request in 2023, stating that the allegations of hush money payments were not linked to his official duties as President.
The trial stems from a six-week investigation into alleged business record falsification and hush money payments made prior to the 2016 election. The legal battle continues as Trump's legal team seeks a more impartial forum to address the alleged Constitutional violations.