In a recent decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Donald Trump’s request to block his sentencing in a criminal case involving hush money payments. Trump had appealed to the Court, asking for an automatic delay of his sentencing, but the justices denied his request with a 5-4 ruling.

The Court explained that Trump could continue to appeal his conviction, and emphasized that the impact of the sentencing on Trump’s duties would be minimal. The judge overseeing the case, Justice Juan Merchan, has already indicated that Trump is unlikely to face jail time, planning instead to give him an “unconditional discharge” following a brief virtual hearing.

This ruling puts an end to Trump’s final attempt to postpone his sentencing, which is scheduled just 10 days before his second presidential inauguration. Earlier in May 2024, a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony charges related to falsifying records about a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016.

In response to the ruling, Trump called the case a “disgrace” but acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision as “fair.” He criticized Justice Merchan, claiming that the judge should not have handled the case, and vented his frustration over the ongoing legal battles, especially on his Truth Social platform.