The Justice Department went to bat for President Trump in his hush money criminal case Wednesday, urging that his prosecution be moved out of New York state court so he can attempt to toss his guilty verdict on presidential immunity grounds.

Trump cannot pardon himself from his 34-count felony conviction on falsifying business records charges, but the development marks the first time his administration has looked to officially back the president in his personal criminal defense.

Trump has embarked on a months-long effort to try to move to federal court his criminal prosecution for illegally concealing a 2016 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, a process known as removal.

© The Hill