The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected President-elect Trump's plea to postpone his sentencing in the New York v. Trump case, which is scheduled for Friday. Trump had submitted an emergency application to the high court seeking to delay the sentencing set by Judge Juan Merchan. The court's order explained the denial was partly due to the fact that any evidentiary concerns from the trial could be addressed through the standard appeals process. Additionally, the court deemed the burden of sentencing on the President-elect's duties to be minimal, given the trial court's intention to issue an unconditional discharge after a short virtual hearing.

The order indicated dissent from Justices Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh, who would have granted the application. For Trump's request to be approved, five justices needed to concur. This suggests Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett sided with Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson in denying the request. With the Supreme Court's decision, Trump's sentencing is expected to proceed as planned, with his virtual appearance anticipated at 9:30 am on Friday.

The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo)

In his petition, Trump's legal team argued for a stay of the New York County Supreme Court proceedings until all appeals regarding presidential immunity, potentially reaching the Supreme Court, were resolved. They also requested a temporary administrative stay while the application was under consideration. Trump’s lawyers contended that New York prosecutors improperly introduced substantial evidence related to official presidential actions, disregarding the Supreme Court's stance on presidential immunity.

Former President Trump and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. (Emily Elconin/Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court affirmed that presidents have immunity from prosecution for actions taken in their official capacity. Trump’s legal team asserts that Judge Merchan should be prevented from further action, believing their appeal will ultimately lead to the dismissal of the case, which they characterize as politically motivated and based on flawed claims. They also allege violations of Trump's due process rights.

Judge Juan Merchan imposed a gag order over former President Trump before the trial began. He was fined $10,000 for violating that order. (Getty Images)

While Judge Merchan confirmed the sentencing date, he indicated that he would not impose jail time, instead opting for an unconditional discharge, effectively meaning no punishment. Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th President on January 20th. He maintains his innocence and has consistently criticized the case as politically motivated “lawfare” designed to undermine his election campaign.