The Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision on Thursday refused President-elect Trump’s request to halt his criminal sentencing, now just hours away, closing off Trump’s last remaining pathway to avoid receiving his punishment for his 34-count felony conviction in New York.

On Friday morning, Trump’s hush money sentencing will secure his status as the first felon to assume the presidency. Trump can attend virtually as Judge Juan Merchan is slated to hand down an unconditional discharge, a rare alternative to prison or probation that has no strings attached.

The Supreme Court’s denial of Trump’s emergency application caps his extensive efforts to stave off his sentencing.

Four of the court’s conservatives dissented: Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined with the court’s three liberals to deny Trump’s request.........

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