Former U.S. President Donald Trump has officially appealed his conviction related to covering up payments made to an adult film actress. His legal team confirmed on Wednesday that he has also brought in new attorneys to challenge the historic ruling.
Trump has enlisted lawyers from the well-known firm Sullivan & Cromwell to fight the guilty verdict handed down by a New York jury, along with the sentencing decision made by the judge on January 10.
“This appeal is crucial for the rule of law, New York’s reputation as a global legal and financial hub, and the integrity of the presidency,” said Trump’s newly appointed attorney, Robert Giuffra. “The use of criminal law to single out President Trump sets a troubling precedent, and we are confident the case will be overturned on appeal.”
Judge Juan Merchan did not impose jail time or a fine, but his ruling upheld the jury’s decision—solidifying Trump’s status as the first former U.S. president convicted of a felony.
Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in May 2024, charges that carried the potential for incarceration. The trial featured testimony from multiple witnesses, all alleging that Trump concealed payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels to prevent her from revealing their past relationship during the 2016 election campaign.
Trump had previously sought to delay the criminal proceedings, but his request was denied by a New York State appeals court. The Supreme Court later ruled that sentencing should move forward as scheduled.
In a legal document filed on Tuesday, Trump’s attorneys formally announced their decision to appeal to the First Department of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. The filing did not specify the legal arguments behind the appeal.
Throughout the case, Trump repeatedly dismissed the charges as a politically motivated attack, often referring to the trial as a “witch hunt.” Prosecutors countered by arguing that such statements were meant to intimidate and discredit the judicial process.
