President-elect Donald Trump has filed an emergency request to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to delay sentencing in his New York hush money case until after he takes office in January. Trump’s legal team argues that allowing the sentencing to proceed could interfere with his presidential duties and undermine his ability to govern effectively.

Trump was convicted last year on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. His lawyers are asking the Supreme Court to block further proceedings while they appeal the conviction.

The New York State appeals court recently denied Trump’s request to delay the Friday sentencing, prompting his legal team to turn to the nation’s highest court. While Judge Juan Merchan has indicated that sentencing will not include jail time, Trump’s defense argues that the case has been politically motivated and that his actions fall under a Supreme Court precedent granting immunity for official acts of a president.

The timing of the sentencing is critical, as it comes just weeks before Trump’s inauguration for a second term. His legal team has expressed concern that the case could cast a shadow over his presidency and complicate his efforts to pursue his policy agenda. Critics of Trump argue that no individual should be above the law, including a sitting or incoming president.

The Supreme Court’s response to Trump’s request could set a significant legal precedent regarding the balance between judicial proceedings and presidential duties. All eyes are now on the Supreme Court as it weighs this high-stakes decision.