Judge Hellerstein rejects Trump’s third attempt to move hush-money case to federal court

Key points

• Judge Alvin Hellerstein denied Trump’s request to move the case to federal court, stating the arguments were 'neither new nor legally sufficient.'
• Hellerstein ruled that discussions regarding hush money payments to Stormy Daniels are not 'official acts' protected by presidential immunity.
• The judge noted that Trump delayed seeking federal review while testing immunity arguments in state court, violating typical removal deadlines.
• Trump’s team called the ruling 'baseless and lawless' and announced they would file an appeal.
• The case stems from a 2024 conviction for 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels.

Background

In May 2024, Trump became the first U.S. president convicted of a crime, receiving an unconditional discharge in January 2025. He has since attempted to move the case to federal court, citing a 2024 Supreme Court decision expanding presidential immunity. Previous attempts to transfer the case were also rejected by Hellerstein.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and CNN emphasize the judge’s ruling that the conduct is not an official act, while Axios highlights the procedural delay and the 'second bite at the apple' argument. Trump’s team, as reported by Axios, dismisses the ruling as 'baseless and lawless' and insists the case should be dismissed immediately.

Why it matters

The ruling maintains the state conviction on Trump’s record, despite no jail time or fines. It sets a precedent for the limits of presidential immunity in state criminal cases and could influence future legal challenges by former presidents.

What to watch

Trump’s legal team has announced they will appeal the decision. The case remains in state court, and the appeal may reach the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.