2 publishers · first seen Thu, 05 Nov 2026 19:45 UTC · updated Thu, 05 Nov 2026 23:46 UTC
A New York appeals court is hearing arguments in Donald Trump's bid to overturn his criminal conviction for falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. Trump's legal team argues that the prosecution improperly used federal election law in state court and that some evidence should have been protected by presidential immunity. The Manhattan District Attorney's office counters that the legal theory and jury instructions were legitimate and that the evidence was fair game. The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for the case, with potential further appeals to higher courts.
The appeal focuses on whether the prosecution's use of federal election law in state court was proper and whether certain evidence, including testimony from former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks and Trump's social media posts, should have been protected by presidential immunity. The court is also considering whether the conviction should be thrown out due to alleged evidentiary violations. The case has political overtones, with Trump's team arguing that the prosecution was politically motivated.
Content auto-generated. May contain inaccuracies.