A New York judge dealt a blow to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, rejecting his request to dismiss his hush money conviction on immunity grounds. The ruling, delivered by Judge Juan Merchan, clarified that the Supreme Court’s decision granting broad immunity to presidents for official acts does not extend to actions deemed “entirely unofficial,” as the case involves events predating Trump’s presidency. This ruling brings Trump one step closer to being the first U.S. president to assume office with a criminal conviction, pending appeal.

The case stems from Trump’s alleged cover-up of payments made to a porn star ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump’s legal team argued that the Supreme Court’s July ruling on presidential immunity protected him, claiming his conviction threatened the integrity of the presidency. Prosecutors, however, countered that Trump’s argument was excessive and unnecessary for safeguarding the office. They emphasized that the conviction revolves solely around unofficial conduct unrelated to Trump’s presidential duties.

This decision follows Trump’s electoral victory on November 5, which prompted the judge to postpone sentencing indefinitely last month. While Trump’s appeal is still pending, this ruling marks a significant moment in U.S. legal history, underlining the limitations of presidential immunity and the accountability of public figures for their actions outside the scope of their official roles.