Trump Files Appeal in Felony Hush Money Conviction

President Donald Trump—the first U.S. president with a criminal record—has officially appealed his felony conviction in the hush money case, seeking to overturn the verdict that made him a felon.

Trump's legal team filed a notice of appeal Wednesday in New York's mid-level appellate court, challenging his May conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, according to the Associated Press. The case centered on allegations that Trump orchestrated a scheme to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign.

Leading the appeal is a new legal team from the firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, led by co-chair Robert J. Giuffra Jr. Trump's previous defense attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, have taken top positions in his administration's Justice Department.

"The misuse of the criminal law by the Manhattan DA to target President Trump sets a dangerous precedent, and we look forward to the case being dismissed on appeal," Giuffra said in a statement.

Trump was sentenced on January 10 to an unconditional discharge, meaning he faces no jail time, probation, or fines, but the conviction remains on record. The president has repeatedly called the case a "witch hunt" and accused prosecutors of politically motivated attacks.

Trump's appeal marks the next phase in a legal battle that has shadowed his return to the White House. The Manhattan District Attorney's office will have an opportunity to respond before the appeals court rules on the matter.