U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein has denied Donald Trump's request to move his hush money case from state court to federal court, marking another legal setback for the former President. Trump's attorneys had hoped to leverage a recent Supreme Court ruling that grants ex-presidents immunity for official acts as a pathway to overturning his conviction.

Trump's legal team argued that the hush money payments involved were related to his presidential role, but Hellerstein rejected this claim. He stated that the payments were private and unofficial, thus falling outside the boundaries of executive authority. This view was upheld despite arguments from Trump's team about alleged bias and conflicts of interest involving Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the initial trial.

The argument for federal jurisdiction centered around claims of unfairness and conflicts of interest involving Judge Merchan, whose connections to Democratic figures have been called into question. However, Hellerstein maintained that these concerns should be addressed by state appellate courts and not by federal courts. He also pointed out that Trump's claims of presidential immunity based on the Supreme Court's recent ruling do not change the nature of the hush money payments as private actions.

This decision leaves Trump's case in the hands of the state court, with a sentencing date set for September 18. Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The payment was purportedly made to prevent any potential disruption to his 2016 presidential campaign.

Manhattan prosecutors have raised objections to Trump's efforts to further delay his sentencing. They argued that there is no legal obligation to pause post-trial decisions while awaiting federal court intervention. Trump's team had requested these delays to explore all possible legal avenues, including appeals, following the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity.

Judge Merchan is expected to rule on Trump's motions to overturn the verdict and delay sentencing by September 16. Prosecutors have highlighted that any further delay in sentencing could lead to allegations of election interference, given that Trump might be sent to jail as early voting begins for midterm elections.

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew McCarthy and other legal experts believe that the hush money case, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, could face significant challenges on appeal. They have raised concerns about the use of felonies instead of misdemeanors, the application of an untested legal theory, and the expiration of the statute of limitations. Congressional Republicans, including House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, continue to investigate potential conflicts of interest related to Judge Merchan and his familial ties to Democratic figures.

In summary, Hellerstein's decision underscores the complexity of the legal battles Trump faces as he navigates appeals and attempts to clear his name before upcoming elections. The ruling not only emphasizes the boundaries of federal and state jurisdiction but also adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the extent of presidential immunity.