A divided U.S. Supreme Court has denied Donald Trump’s application to stay his sentencing, paving the way for him to face the final phase of his criminal case on Friday.

"The alleged evidentiary violations at President-Elect Trump’s state-court trial can be addressed in the ordinary course on appeal,” reads the short order. "Second, the burden that sentencing will impose on the President-Elect’s responsibilities is relatively insubstantial in light of the trial court’s stated intent to impose a sentence of 'unconditional discharge' after a brief virtual hearing."