Trump Appeals 34-Count Hush-Money Conviction

President Donald Trump formally appealed his 34-count New York conviction in the hush‑money case, filing a lengthy brief late Monday with the state appeals court seeking to overturn the May 2024 jury verdict that found him guilty of falsifying business records over a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. He received an unconditional discharge in January but remains a convicted felon unless an appeals court or the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the verdict. Trump's lawyers argue the prosecution was politically charged, relied on a “convoluted” theory that elevated misdemeanors into felonies, and say the trial featured flawed jury instructions and improperly admitted evidence of official presidential acts after the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling. They contend federal law and presidential immunity preempt the state prosecution and have asked a federal appeals court to transfer the case, potentially paving a path to the U.S. Supreme Court. The filing also seeks Judge Juan Merchan’s recusal over small political donations and alleged family conflicts; the Manhattan District Attorney’s office has not yet publicly responded.