Trump appeals against conviction in hush-money case

October 28, 2025

Former President Donald Trump has filed an appeal of his May 2024 criminal conviction on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records connected to a hush-money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump's legal team argues that presidential immunity should protect him from prosecution, claiming the case represents politically motivated persecution by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Although Trump was convicted by a unanimous jury, he received an unconditional discharge in December with no jail time or fines due to his return to the presidency.

Who is affected

Donald Trump (convicted defendant seeking appeal)
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his office (prosecuting entity)
Justice Juan Merchan (trial judge whose rulings are being challenged)
The unanimous jury that convicted Trump
Michael Cohen (Trump's former personal lawyer involved in the original payment)
Stormy Daniels (recipient of the hush-money payment)
New York Appellate Division, First Department (court handling the appeal)

What action is being taken

Trump has filed an appeal to overturn his conviction
The case is going before the New York Appellate Division, First Department
Trump's lawyers are seeking to have the case dismissed

Why it matters

This case is historically significant as Trump became the first former or sitting U.S. president to be convicted of a felony. The appeal tests the boundaries of presidential immunity following a Supreme Court ruling that presidents have broad immunity for "official acts" during their presidency. The outcome could set important legal precedents regarding whether and how presidents can be prosecuted for actions taken before or during their time in office, and whether evidence from their presidency can be used in criminal cases against them.

What's next

The New York Appellate Division, First Department will review and rule on Trump's appeal
Trump's lawyers are seeking dismissal of the case entirely

Read full article from source: BBC