New York, 10 January 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The US Supreme Court in Washington on Thursday decided that the sentencing of US President-elect Donald Trump in the New York hush money case can take place as planned on Friday, rejecting an emergency appeal by Trump's lawyers.

Trump's defence team had sought to delay the sentencing for his 34 felony convictions, which comes just 10 days before he is due to be sworn in as US president.

The decision is a major defeat for the 78-year-old.

Before turning to the Supreme Court, Trump had already failed with petitions at a lower court.

However, the sentencing is unlikely to have any immediate impact on his presidency.

The justices were divided, with four conservatives — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh — supporting the request, while a five-member majority rejected it.

The decision was partly based on the view that the sentencing would have a minimal impact on Trump's responsibilities as future president.

The well-publicized "hush money" case involved the illegal concealment of $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. Jurors agreed that Trump had paid the money to keep the actress quiet in an effort to gain advantage in the 2016 presidential election, which Trump won.

Trump is due to be sworn in as US president in Washington on January 20, following his victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

Photo: EPA