New York's highest court has officially rejected Donald Trump's request to delay his sentencing regarding his hush-money case, scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025. This ruling leaves Trump's legal team with the U.S. Supreme Court as their last option to halt the proceedings, intensifying the spotlight on both the legal ramifications of the case and its potential impact on his upcoming inauguration.

Following a decision from the New York Court of Appeals, one judge issued a brief order denying Trump's motion for a stay. The ruling comes after the court was urged to reconsider by Trump's attorneys, who argue the sentencing disrupts the transition of a president-elect. With Judge Juan M. Merchan presiding, the court previously convicted Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, a charge stemming from payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Trump's attorneys brought their case to the Supreme Court after failing to convince New York courts. In their appeal, they asserted that the scheduled sentencing unjustly burdens Trump as he prepares to take office on January 20. They claimed that ongoing procedures would politically harm the integrity of the presidency and distract Trump's focus from his responsibilities.

On the prosecution's side, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the need for the case to proceed, stating, “There is a compelling public interest in proceeding to sentencing.” In a court filing, Bragg's office refuted the defense's claims regarding presidential immunity, asserting that such arguments are erroneous and lack legal precedent. The prosecution maintains that Trump's previous actions, including the alleged hush payment scheme, were personal matters distinct from any official presidential duties.

The implications of this case are significant, as Trump faces the unique scenario of being a former president convicted of a crime while simultaneously holding the title of incoming president. His lawyers contend that evidence presented during the Manhattan trial violated his rights to immunity, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that granted broader protections to presidents regarding their official acts.

As the timeline progresses, the Supreme Court will need to address Trump's emergency motion submitted to Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who handles appeals from New York. With the clock ticking down to the sentencing, observers are keenly aware of how this legal battle may unfold amid Trump's impending inauguration.

For continuing developments and updates, refer to Le Monde and other reliable sources.