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Tag: Alvin bragg
October 28, 2025
Lawfare

Trump Challenges NY Conviction in ‘Hush Money’ Case.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump’s legal team filed an appeal against his Manhattan criminal conviction stemming from a so-called “hush money” case.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, his attorneys, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and Stormy Daniels.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The appeal was filed on Monday, October 28, 2025, in New York.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “This case should have never seen the inside of a courtroom, let alone resulted in a jury conviction.” – Robert Giuffra Jr., Trump’s attorney.

🎯IMPACT: The appeal is a critical step in President Trump’s efforts to overturn his felony conviction and challenge what his team describes as politically motivated charges.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump‘s lawyers on Monday finally filed their appeal of the Manhattan “hush money” criminal case that resulted in his felony conviction. In the appeal, the America First leader’s legal team reiterated their arguments that the case should not have been brought, citing the judge’s prior donations to Democratic causes as a conflict of interest and referencing a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity from July 2024, which rendered part of the prosecution’s evidence inadmissible.

The appeal also challenges the jury’s decision, arguing that the conviction should be overturned. “This case should have never seen the inside of a courtroom, let alone resulted in a jury conviction,” wrote Robert Giuffra Jr., one of Trump’s attorneys, in the 96-page filing.

The case centers on allegations that President Trump authorized payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election campaign to prevent her from publicizing claims of an alleged affair. Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified business records to cover up reimbursements to his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, for the $130,000 payment.

The trial, which lasted seven weeks in the spring of 2024, coincided with Trump’s third—and ultimately victorious—presidential campaign. His legal team has accused Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of pursuing the charges for political purposes. “The DA, a Democrat, brought those charges in the middle of a contentious presidential election in which President Trump was the leading Republican candidate,” Trump’s attorneys stated in their filing.

While President Trump received a no-jail sentence days before returning to the White House in January, the conviction remains unless overturned. His legal team continues to fight the charges, with a spokesman calling the appeal a “powerhouse” and asserting that “President Trump will keep defeating Democrat weaponization at every turn as he focuses on his singular mission to Make America Great Again.”

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June 11, 2025
Lawfare

Trump Appeals Bogus ‘Hush Money’ Conviction.

PULSE POINTS:

âť“What Happened: President Donald J. Trump’s attorneys are appealing his conviction in a so-called hush money case in New York, seeking to move it to federal court following last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg, the U.S. Supreme Court, and a three-judge panel from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

đź“Ť Where & When: New York, with oral arguments occurring on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “President Trump had good cause to pursue a post-trial removal for a simple reason: he could not have raised any of the arguments set forth herein until well after his trial began,” Trump’s attorneys stated.

⚠️ Impact: A successful appeal could overturn Trump’s conviction and potentially set new precedents for cases involving presidential immunity.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump’s legal team is set to present arguments on Monday in an effort to move his state-level “hush money” conviction for supposedly falsifying business records to federal court. The appeal comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last July that presidents are immune from federal prosecution for certain official acts, although not for unofficial acts.

Trump’s attorneys argue that his conviction stems from actions tied to his official duties as President, making the case eligible for federal jurisdiction. The America First leader was convicted last year on 34 counts related to a 2016 payment made by his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting the case is politically motivated.

In January, just days before his inauguration, Trump received an unconditional discharge in the case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The sentence included no jail time, probation, or fines, but Trump remains a convicted felon under state law and cannot pardon himself in the matter.

Trump’s legal team is now leveraging the Supreme Court’s July decision to argue for a post-trial removal of the case to federal court. They claim the ruling provides “good cause” for the renewed appeal, as the decision was issued after Trump’s conviction in May. “President Trump had good cause to pursue a post-trial removal for a simple reason: he could not have raised any of the arguments set forth herein until well after his trial began,” his attorneys wrote in court filings.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an amicus brief earlier this year in support of Trump’s effort, but Bragg’s office opposes the move. Prosecutors argue that the Supreme Court ruling does not apply in this case, accusing Trump of showing a “lack of diligence” by waiting two months after the decision to renew his efforts. They also contend that the unconditional discharge makes the appeal moot.

A ruling in Trump’s favor could overturn his conviction and reshape the legal landscape surrounding presidential immunity claims.

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March 21, 2025
William Upton
Lawfare

Trump Bends DC Law Firm to His Will in Extraordinary Deal Terms.

President Donald J. Trump has extracted extraordinary guarantees from the multinational white-shoe law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison (Paul, Weiss) in exchange for retracting an executive order stripping the firm of their security clearance and government contracts. Paul Weiss had been a major behind-the-scenes player in the lawfare efforts against Trump over the last four years, along with representing several left-wing causes, including providing legal services for abortionists following the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

Notably, Paul, Weiss has agreed to apologize for the actions of a former partner at the law firm, Mark F. Pomerantz, who instigated a Manhattan District Attorney investigation into Trump that resulted in DA Alvin Bragg’s so-called hush money prosecution. Additionally, the firm has agreed not to deny pro bono services based on the client’s political views and will provide the federal government the equivalent of $40 million in pro bono legal services supporting President Trump’s agenda over the next four years, among other concessions.

‘RESTORING OUR SYSTEM OF JUSTICE.’

“Paul, Weiss agrees that the bedrock principle of American Justice is that it must be fair and nonpartisan for all. Our Justice System is betrayed when it is misused to achieve political ends,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social late Thursday. “Lawyers and law firms play a vital role in ensuring that we live up to that standard as a Nation. Law firms should not favor any political party when it comes to choosing their clients. Firms also should not make decisions on whom to hire based on a person’s political affiliation. To do otherwise is to deny some Americans an equal opportunity for our services while favoring others.”

“Lawyers abandon the profession’s highest ideals when they engage in partisan decision-making, and betray the ethical obligation to represent those who are unpopular or disfavored in a particular environment,” he added.

In a statement announcing the concessions, the Trump White House said: “The President is agreeing to this action in light of a meeting with Paul, Weiss Chairman, Brad Karp, during which Mr. Karp acknowledged the wrongdoing of former Paul, Weiss partner, Mark Pomerantz, the grave dangers of Weaponization, and the vital need to restore our System of Justice.”

ANTI-TRUMP, PRO-CHINA. 

The National Pulse has previously reported that former Obama government Attorney General Loretta Lynch—a member of the Paul, Weiss litigation department—drew Congressional scrutiny over her U.S. lobbying work for Chinese drone company DJI. The Department of Defense identifies DJI as a Chinese military tech producer.

Additionally, Roberta Kaplan—the attorney representing E. Jean Carroll—and U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan—who presided over Carroll’s defamation case against Trump—worked together at Paul, Weiss in the 1990s.

“We are gratified that the President has agreed to withdraw the Executive Order concerning Paul, Weiss. We look forward to an engaged and constructive relationship with the President and his Administration,” Paul, Weiss Chairman Brad Karp said in a statement praising President Trump’s decision to lift the executive order against the law firm.

READ:

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President Donald J. Trump has extracted extraordinary guarantees from the multinational white-shoe law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison (Paul, Weiss) in exchange for retracting an executive order stripping the firm of their security clearance and government contracts. Paul Weiss had been a major behind-the-scenes player in the lawfare efforts against Trump over the last four years, along with representing several left-wing causes, including providing legal services for abortionists following the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade. show more
February 11, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Lawfare

Bannon Avoids Prison, Sentenced to Conditional Discharge.

Former Trump White House Chief Strategist and War Room host Stephen K. Bannon has pled guilty to a charge related to the “We Build the Wall” campaign, but will avoid jail time under a plea agreement. The MAGA stalwart, who played a key role in Trump’s political rise, received a conditional discharge for three years.

The charges stemmed from accusations that Bannon and three other individuals defrauded donors who contributed to the fundraising effort aimed at constructing a private section of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. Despite the accusations of wrongdoing, Bannon’s legal team has maintained that he did not personally pocket any of the donations.

Bannon and his associates were charged with conspiracy and money laundering after being accused of deceiving donors. Prosecutors claimed that while Bannon presented himself as a volunteer, he funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to two associates. Under the terms of his plea, Bannon only pled guilty to one count of defrauding donors.

Bannon’s plea carries restrictions on leading non-profits in New York or raising money for charitable causes in the state.

George Soros-backed Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who previously prosecuted President Trump, celebrated the outcome. Bannon criticized both Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has also targeted President Trump in a dubious civil fraud case, branding her the “Queen of Lawfare.”

“I’m calling on, right now, the Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to begin an immediate criminal investigation into Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, all of what they did to President Trump,” he said.

WATCH:

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Former Trump White House Chief Strategist and War Room host Stephen K. Bannon has pled guilty to a charge related to the "We Build the Wall" campaign, but will avoid jail time under a plea agreement. The MAGA stalwart, who played a key role in Trump’s political rise, received a conditional discharge for three years. show more
Merchan Bragg
January 10, 2025
William Upton
Lawfare
TRUMP TRANSITION 2024/5

Banana Republic: Judge Merchan Sentences President-Elect Trump in NY ‘Hush Money’ Case.

Democrat-aligned New York Judge Juan Merchan sentenced President-elect Donald J. Trump on Friday for 34 counts of business record fraud. The court is imposing an ‘unconditional discharge,’ meaning that Trump will serve no prison time. However, the President-elect will now officially be a convicted felon just before he is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States—which appears to be the main aim of Merchan and his Democratic Party allies.

Late yesterday, the United States Supreme Court declined to intervene in the sentencing. In a 5-4 decision, the justices ruled that they would prefer to see the appeals process play out before involving themselves in the case. They also cited Merchan’s public pledge to impose only an ‘unconditional discharge’ as the sentence and not assign Trump any prison time.

Last year, a New York City jury found Trump guilty of dozens of counts of business record fraud, which had been elevated to felonies through a dubious legal theory pushed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The trial, which began on April 22, saw 17 days of witness testimony and arguments. Bragg, who brought the 34 felony charges against Trump, pinned much of his case on the testimony of serial perjurer and disgraced lawyer Michael Cohen.

The New York prosecution was part of a larger lawfare campaign brought against Trump by the Biden government and the Democratic Party. In addition to the Bragg prosecution, Trump also faced two federal trials and another state case in Georgia. However, only Bragg’s New York prosecution—arguably the weakest of the four cases—successfully resulted in a conviction and sentencing.

Merchan has repeatedly been criticized for his partisan alignment with the Democratic Party. The judge’s daughter, Loren Merchan, has deep ties to Democratic Party candidates and political groups, including those involved in partisan lawfare.

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Democrat-aligned New York Judge Juan Merchan sentenced President-elect Donald J. Trump on Friday for 34 counts of business record fraud. The court is imposing an 'unconditional discharge,' meaning that Trump will serve no prison time. However, the President-elect will now officially be a convicted felon just before he is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States—which appears to be the main aim of Merchan and his Democratic Party allies. show more
December 23, 2024
Crime

Luigi Mangione Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ in Manhattan Court Over UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder.

Luigi Mangione pleaded “not guilty” in a Manhattan court on Monday, where he faces state murder and terrorism charges in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The arraignment follows formal charges filed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accusing Mangione of multiple forms of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism.

The state case is set to proceed alongside a separate federal prosecution—with the latter potentially resulting in Mangione receiving the death penalty. However, Mangione only faces life imprisonment without parole in the state prosecution as New York abolished its death penalty in 2004.

Mangione allegedly executed Thompson in midtown Manhattan on December 4, as the CEO was en route to an investor conference. Following a five-day search, law enforcement apprehended Mangione at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. He possessed a gun matching the weapon used in the shooting, along with a fake ID and a notebook detailing grievances against the health insurance industry.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg highlighted the murder’s intent to cause fear and garner attention to justify the use of terrorism charges. Meanwhile, Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, criticized the differing legal approaches by federal and state prosecutors, describing them as “confusing” and “highly unusual.”

Mangione, held at a Brooklyn federal jail, was extradited from Pennsylvania and brought to New York City with heavy security. Additionally, New York Mayor Eric Adams personally confronted Mangione, emphasizing the impact of his actions on the city.

An Ivy League graduate from Maryland, Mangione reportedly became isolated from his family and friends over the last year. Online posts attributed to him suggest personal struggles, particularly with back pain. There is no record of him being a UnitedHealthcare client.

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Luigi Mangione pleaded "not guilty" in a Manhattan court on Monday, where he faces state murder and terrorism charges in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The arraignment follows formal charges filed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accusing Mangione of multiple forms of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. show more
December 19, 2024
William Upton
Breaking

BREAKING: Federal Murder Charges Filed Against Luigi Mangione, Signaling No Faith in Alvin Bragg.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a federal murder charge against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione is suspected of shooting and killing Thompson in Manhattan on December 4 and is facing a state murder charge already being prosecuted by District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Mangione—a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from Towson, Maryland—was extradited earlier today from Pennsylvania, where he was arrested, to New York City, where he is set to face trial. However, the move by the DOJ to file charges suggests the federal government has little face in DA Bragg, best known for his highly dubious prosecution of Donald J. Trump, to prosecute the state murder case adequately.

While the state murder trial will take precedence, Mangione will potentially face the death penalty in the federal prosecution. New York abolished its death penalty in 2004.

According to his online activity, Mangione is known for anti-capitalist beliefs and criticism of the U.S. healthcare system. His Goodreads account features quotes from historical figures, including Socrates, Bruce Lee, and Ted Kaczynski, the “Unabomber,” recognized for his anti-establishment views. Mangione also reportedly carried a manifesto that criticized the financial and ethical practices of the healthcare industry.

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The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a federal murder charge against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione is suspected of shooting and killing Thompson in Manhattan on December 4 and is facing a state murder charge already being prosecuted by District Attorney Alvin Bragg. show more
December 17, 2024
Lawfare

Dem Donor Judge Denies Trump’s Immunity Rights, Won’t Dismiss ‘Hush Money’ Case.

Late Monday, Democrat-aligned Judge Juan Merchan ruled against President-elect Donald J. Trump’s request to dismiss District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s so-called hush money case. A New York jury found Trump guilty Trump in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.

Steven Cheung, Trump’s campaign spokesman—and future White House communications director—blasted Merchan’s ruling, stating it violated the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. “This lawless case should have never been brought, and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed, as President Trump must be allowed to continue the Presidential Transition process and execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this, or any other, Witch Hunt,” Cheung said in a statement.

The ruling leaves the possibility of sentencing open, pending legal appeals from Trump’s side. It remains uncertain when or if Trump will face sentencing, given that Judge Merchan has yet to decide if this could occur before Trump assumes office in January or after his term concludes in 2029.

“The Supreme Court’s June presidential-immunity ruling requires Democrat Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan to declare a mistrial,” conservative attorney Mike Davis, founder of The Article III Project, wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “But Merchan once again ignores the clear law. His daughter Loren could lose a lot of Democrat funding if her dad ruled any other way. Clear corruption.”

Loren Merchan has done significant business with Democratic politicians. CNN legal analyst Elie Honig has also criticized Judge Merchan for having personally “donated money… in plain violation of a rule prohibiting New York judges from making political donations of any kind—to a pro-Biden, anti-Trump political operation.”

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Late Monday, Democrat-aligned Judge Juan Merchan ruled against President-elect Donald J. Trump's request to dismiss District Attorney Alvin Bragg's so-called hush money case. A New York jury found Trump guilty Trump in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. show more
December 16, 2024
Crime
News

CNN Analyst With Ties to Anti-Trump MeidasTouch, Jack Smith, & Diddy to Defend Luigi Mangione.

Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has made a significant addition to his legal team. On Friday, Karen Friedman Agnifilo—a CNN legal analyst and former Manhattan prosecutor under then-District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.—was named as the suspected murderer‘s legal representative. Friedman Agnifilo handled many of the most high-profile prosecutions for the Manhattan DA’s office. Her firm, Agnifilo Intrater LLP, confirmed the announcement.

Mangione, aged 26, was apprehended earlier last week in a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania after being identified by a customer from police bulletins. Authorities claim that he was carrying a weapon, documents, and a mask linking him to the December 4 murder outside the New York Hilton Midtown. Thompson was shot during his arrival for an investor meeting.

TIES TO MEIDASTOUCH & JACK SMITH. 

Friedman Agnifilo, with a background as a former Chief Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan and experience as a legal adviser to Law & Order and legal analyst for CNN, brings added attention to this case. The former prosecutor has deep ties with numerous government figures including Biden’s Department of Justice (DOJ) special prosecutor Jack Smith. Additionally, she is a contributor to the infamous left-wing, anti-Trump MeidasTouch network.

Her husband, Mark Agnifilo, is currently representing Sean “Diddy” Combs in his federal trial over allegations of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Prosecutors, led by current Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, aim to extradite Mangione from Pennsylvania. Bragg has indicated readiness to proceed with the case, irrespective of Mangione’s decision on extradition. Meanwhile, Mangione is being held without bail, facing charges including intentional murder and weapons possession.

Initially, Mangione’s Pennsylvania attorney, Thomas Dickey, signaled opposition to extradition; however, recent statements from Bragg hint at a potential change in stance. Involvement from governors may become necessary, with Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) prepared to collaborate with Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) on a governor’s warrant if required.

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Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has made a significant addition to his legal team. On Friday, Karen Friedman Agnifilo—a CNN legal analyst and former Manhattan prosecutor under then-District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.—was named as the suspected murderer's legal representative. Friedman Agnifilo handled many of the most high-profile prosecutions for the Manhattan DA's office. Her firm, Agnifilo Intrater LLP, confirmed the announcement. show more
December 13, 2024
William Upton
Lawfare
News

J.D. Vance Invites NY Subway Hero Daniel Penny to Army-Navy Game with Trump.

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance is inviting recently acquitted New York City subway hero Daniel Penny to join him and President-elect Donald J. Trump for an annual Army-Navy football game. The two military service academies will face off tomorrow at 3PM at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. This will be the 125th meeting between Army and Navy.

Penny was acquitted on Monday of criminally negligent homicide for the death of Jordan Neely—a homeless man who died on May 1, 2023, after violently threatening passengers in a New York City subway car, stating he was going to kill them. Neely was subdued with a chokehold by Penny, and according to NYPD bodycam footage, the homeless man still had a pulse when law enforcement arrived. However, as the NYPD waited on medical responders, Neely subsequently expired.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg—who waged one front of the Democratic Party’s lawfare campaign against Presiden-elect Trump—filed two criminal counts against Penny, manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. The former, more serious charge was dismissed last week when prosecutors conceded the jury had become deadlocked.

Meanwhile, Bragg’s case against Trump remains in legal limbo. Despite securing a guilty verdict against the President-elect earlier this year, a subsequent Supreme Court ruling may result in this being thrown out, as Bragg used materials and testimony protected under presidential immunity.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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Vice President-elect J.D. Vance is inviting recently acquitted New York City subway hero Daniel Penny to join him and President-elect Donald J. Trump for an annual Army-Navy football game. The two military service academies will face off tomorrow at 3PM at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. This will be the 125th meeting between Army and Navy. show more