Donald Trump’s emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to halt his criminal sentencing was denied, allowing the proceedings to continue. The decision arrives just 10 days before his inauguration. The court’s ruling follows Trump’s conviction on felony counts related to hush money payments during his 2016 election campaign.

The sentencing, resulting from Trump’s 2024 conviction for falsifying business records, will proceed virtually. It is anticipated to lead to an unconditional discharge, thereby avoiding prison time for Trump. The split 5-4 decision reflects differing opinions, but the majority regards the sentencing burdens as ‘relatively insubstantial’.

In his presidency, Trump plans to focus on easing digital asset regulations and supporting blockchain innovation. He proposes creating a national BTC reserve and aims to support domestic crypto mining efforts. Trump’s administration plans to oppose any move towards a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency.