A New York state appellate court has announced a delay in its decision on whether to overturn the conviction of former President Donald Trump in connection with the so-called “hush money” payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. The ruling, which had been anticipated this week, has been postponed pending further review.
The case centers on Trump’s role in facilitating payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who both alleged affairs with Trump before his 2016 election. Prosecutors argue that the payments were made to suppress damaging information that could hurt his campaign, violating campaign finance laws and constituting a criminal conspiracy.
Trump, who was convicted in a Manhattan court in 2023, has consistently maintained that the payments were made for personal reasons, not to influence the election, and has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Legal analysts have speculated that the delay may be due to the complexity of the case and its potential political implications. The appeal raises significant questions about the interpretation of campaign finance laws and the extent to which personal finances can be separated from campaign activities.
Trump’s legal team has expressed confidence that the appellate court will overturn the conviction, claiming that the lower court erred in its interpretation of the law. Meanwhile, prosecutors assert that the conviction was solid and should stand.