A New York appeals court has rejected Donald Trump’s attempt to postpone his sentencing in the hush-money case. The former US president, who was convicted in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records, is scheduled for sentencing this Friday.

The case involves payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, with accusations that Trump falsified records to cover up the transaction. Trump’s legal team argued that the sentencing should be delayed while he appeals the conviction. They also claimed that the legal immunity granted to a sitting president should extend to a president-elect.

However, Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer dismissed the request, stating, “The application for an interim stay is denied” after thoroughly reviewing the arguments.

Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw the trial, has given Trump the option to attend the sentencing either in person or virtually. The judge has also indicated he is unlikely to impose jail time on the former president.

Despite this, Trump expressed his frustration during a press conference, calling Judge Merchan “crooked” and criticizing the gag order issued in the case.

As Trump prepares to begin his second term as US president on January 20, his legal team still has the option to appeal to higher courts, including the Supreme Court.

This case remains a pivotal moment in Trump’s political and legal journey.