Trump Hush Money Case Will Remain in New York State Court, Judge Rules
Judge Hellerstein wrote that the evidence overwhelmingly suggested that the matter involved something personal to the president: “a cover-up of an embarrassing event.”
“Hush money paid to an adult film star is not related to a president’s official acts,” he concluded in the order. “It does not reflect in any way the color of the president’s official duties.”
A lawyer for Mr. Trump, Todd Blanche, declined to comment.
A spokeswoman for Mr. Bragg said, “We are very pleased with the federal court’s decision and look forward to proceeding in New York State Supreme Court.”
Mr. Trump’s effort to move the case was considered a long shot. Still, the order represents a significant victory for Mr. Bragg — who secured an indictment of the former president in March and whose case against him is scheduled for trial in March 2024 — in part because Judge Hellerstein echoed several arguments made by Mr. Bragg’s prosecutors.
The judge seemed impressed by their evidence, writing that they had strongly supported “their allegations that the money paid to Cohen was reimbursement for a hush money payment.” He also expressed significant skepticism toward a defense Mr. Trump’s lawyers had been expected to mount in arguing that the case should be dismissed.
Source: The New York Times
