Subheading: Former President argues case stemming from alleged falsification of business documents belongs under federal oversight, not New York state court.
Washington, D.C. — June 25, 2025:
Attorneys for former President Donald J. Trump appeared before a federal appeals court this week, pressing their argument that a high-profile business records case currently proceeding in a New York state court should instead fall under federal jurisdiction. The case centers on allegations that Trump falsified internal business records in connection with hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Trump’s legal team contends that, because the alleged conduct took place while he was serving as president and involves matters linked to federal office, it qualifies for removal from state court under federal law. The defense argues that the charges are politically motivated and that a federal forum would offer greater impartiality.
“This prosecution is based on actions taken while Mr. Trump was in office, and therefore it implicates federal interests,” said one of Trump’s attorneys during oral arguments. “We believe the law is clear in allowing this case to be heard in federal court.”
Prosecutors, however, maintain that the alleged falsification of records occurred at the state level and involved business transactions and documentation specific to Trump’s private company, the Trump Organization. They argue that the connection to federal office is too tenuous to justify moving the case out of state court.
The case originally stems from the Manhattan District Attorney’s indictment of Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors allege that Trump orchestrated a scheme to disguise payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels as legal expenses, intending to conceal potentially damaging information ahead of the 2016 election.
Legal analysts note that a ruling in Trump’s favor could have far-reaching implications for how former presidents are prosecuted, particularly in cases where the boundaries between official duties and private conduct are blurred.
The appeals court has not yet issued a ruling but is expected to do so in the coming weeks. The outcome could affect the timeline and venue of one of several legal proceedings Trump currently faces as he continues his campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination.
If the court rules in Trump’s favor, it could result in a delay or even a dismissal of the case, depending on how the federal court chooses to proceed. If the appeal is rejected, the case will return to the New York state court, where Trump has pleaded not guilty.
This latest legal maneuver highlights the former president’s ongoing strategy to challenge the jurisdiction and motivations behind the various legal cases brought against him — a central theme in his legal and political narrative.