Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed an official appeal with the New York Court of Appeals, seeking to overturn his conviction in the widely publicized “hush money” case, marking a pivotal moment in one of the most politically charged legal battles in recent U.S. history.
Trump’s legal team submitted the appeal on Tuesday morning, arguing that the trial was “legally unsound” and that prosecutors overstepped state authority by treating what they described as “routine business entries” as criminal acts. The filing claims that “serious procedural errors” occurred during the Manhattan trial, which ultimately found Trump guilty of falsifying business records in connection to payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign.
“This appeal is about fairness and the rule of law,” said a spokesperson for Trump’s legal team. “President Trump has been unfairly targeted in a politically motivated prosecution that should have never gone to trial.”
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, led by Alvin Bragg, responded that the case was handled properly and that the conviction reflects the equal application of justice. “Our office stands by the jury’s verdict and the integrity of the trial process,” a representative said.
Legal experts say Trump’s chances of overturning the conviction are uncertain but not impossible. The New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, will now review whether the trial court made any legal or constitutional errors significant enough to warrant reversal.
Meanwhile, the appeal carries major political implications, coming at a time when Trump remains a dominant figure in national politics and a likely contender in the 2026 presidential race. A successful appeal could energize his supporters and reshape his campaign narrative, while a failed one could further cement his legal and political troubles.
Outside Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan, the filing sparked immediate reaction — with supporters chanting “witch hunt” and opponents calling for “justice for all.” The scene reflected the deep divisions in public opinion that have defined Trump’s legal journey since leaving office.
As the case moves forward, New York once again stands at the center of a national showdown — where law, politics, and history collide.
