Donald Trump’s lawyers don’t necessarily believe, deep down in their hearts, that his New York felony conviction for fraudulently covering up hush payments to an adult film star is really a matter of official, presidential business — one that demands the federal courts intervene to uphold “the balanced power structure of our Republic.” But what they know is that making the argument could at least delay the former president’s sentencing in the case, currently scheduled for Sept. 18.
In a 64-page document filed with a U.S. district court Thursday evening, attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove argue, not for the first time, that Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein should take over the case and bring a halt to the state proceedings, which if allowed to continue will “cause direct and irreparable harm to President Trump,” who they describe as “the leading candidate in the 2024 presidential election” (Vice President Kamala Harris presently enjoys a 3.4% lead in the national race, according to 538’s polling average).
