Trump asks Supreme Court to block hush money sentencing

• Judge Juan Merchan has already said Trump faces no jail time.

Driving the news: "This Court should enter an immediate stay of further proceedings in the New York trial court to prevent grave injustice and harm to the institution of the Presidency and the operations of the federal government," Trump's attorneys wrote in their Wednesday emergency application.

• They argued in their 51-page filing that Trump's sentencing should be paused while his presidential immunity appeals play out.
• His lawyers further contended that presidential immunity should extend to presidents-elect in the "brief but crucial" period between the election and their inauguration, shielding them from criminal process.
• "Forcing President Trump to prepare for a criminal sentencing in a felony case while he is preparing to lead the free world as President of the United States in less than two weeks imposes an intolerable, unconstitutional burden on him that undermines these vital national interests," Trump's team wrote.

Catch up quick: Trump's legal team made the request to the Supreme Court after Merchan denied his latest bid to halt his sentencing. An appeals judge rejected his request to dismiss his conviction, as well.

Flashback: A New York jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records, making him the first-ever former U.S. president to be a convicted felon.

• Trump has harnessed the Supreme Court's July ruling that presidents have immunity for "official acts" in several attempts to see the case tossed or delayed.
• While his federal criminal cases crumbled after his presidential win, Merchan has remained intent on the New York hush money case moving forward.

What we're watching: The court ordered prosecutors to file a response by 10 a.m. Thursday — just under 24 hours before his sentencing is scheduled.

Go deeper: How prosecuting Trump backfired

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.