Donald Trump lawyers appeal hush money conviction

Lawyers for President Donald Trump appeared before a New York appeals court on Thursday, seeking to overturn his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The case stems from a 2016 payment made to adult film performer Stormy Daniels to prevent unflattering information from reaching voters.

Defense attorney Robert Giuffra Jr. argued that the prosecution's legal theory was flawed, asserting that state prosecutors should not be able to base a case on alleged federal election law violations. The defense also raised arguments regarding presidential immunity, suggesting that certain evidence presented to the jury, including testimony about White House communications and social media posts, should have been excluded because they related to official presidential duties.

The Manhattan District Attorney's office maintains that the payment was an illegal campaign contribution intended to influence the 2016 election. Trump denies any wrongdoing and continues to challenge the verdict through various state and federal court channels.