Judge Hellerstein wrote that the evidence overwhelmingly suggested that the matter involved something personal to the president: “a cover-up of an embarrassing event.”“Hush money paid to an adult film star is not related to a president’s official acts,” he concluded in the order.
“It does not reflect in any way the color of the president’s official duties.”A lawyer for Mr. Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mr. Trump’s effort to move the case was considered a long shot.
Still, the order represents a significant victory for Mr. Bragg, who secured an indictment of the former president in March and whose case against him is scheduled for trial in March 2024.
Judge Hellerstein seemed impressed by the strength of the evidence of the case, writing that Mr. Bragg’s prosecutors had strongly supported “their allegations that the money paid to Cohen was reimbursement for a hush money payment.”Mr. Trump, who is once again the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, was also indicted last month in federal court in Miami for mishandling classified documents and obstructing the government’s investigation into his conduct.
Persons:
Hellerstein, ”, Trump, Mr, Bragg, Judge Hellerstein, Cohen
Organizations:
Republican
Locations:
Miami