Story perspectives

Judge Skeptical of Trump's Hush Money Appeal Moves

2/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein expressed skepticism about U.S. President Donald Trump's bid to move hush money conviction appeal to federal court.
He noted the 30-day removal window was missed and questioned two appeals.
The case involves 34 counts of falsifying records tied to the 2016 election.
Jeffrey Wall argued evidence changed the case's nature for federal jurisdiction, Steven Wu said acts were unofficial, and Hellerstein will rule later.

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Story summary

U.S. District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein expressed skepticism about U.S. President Donald Trump's bid to move hush money conviction appeal to federal court.
He noted the 30-day removal window was missed and questioned two appeals.
The case involves 34 counts of falsifying records tied to the 2016 election.
Jeffrey Wall argued evidence changed the case's nature for federal jurisdiction, Steven Wu said acts were unofficial, and Hellerstein will rule later.