The legal saga surrounding former President Donald Trump took a sharp turn today as his legal team pushed for a “pause” in his hush money trial so the former president could attend Supreme Court arguments April 25.
Trump attorney Todd Blanche noted his client “very much” wants to attend the arguments over whether the former president may claim immunity in special counsel Jack Smith’s election subversion case.
However, Judge Juan Merchan swiftly rebuffed their request with a terse yet impactful reminder of the defendant’s obligations.
“Your client is a criminal defendant,” Merchan retorted to Blanche, “He’s required to be here.”
Despite Trump’s expressed desire to participate in the proceedings regarding his potential immunity, Merchan left no room for negotiation.
“I will see him ‘here next week,'” Merchan affirmed, firmly pointing to the courtroom, not the Supreme Court, as Trump’s necessary destination.
Prosecutor Josh Steinglass echoed Merchan’s stance, emphasizing the lack of obligation for Trump’s presence at SCOTUS.
The stage is set for a legal showdown, with Trump facing the full force of the law in the coming week.
