President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday he appreciated the "time and effort" of the U.S. Supreme Court to consider his 11th-hour appeal to delay sentencing in New York after his conviction for falsifying business records.

Trump took to Truth Social after the high court declined to delay Friday's sentencing by Judge Juan Merchan in Manhattan. Merchan has indicated he will not give Trump jail time, fines, or probation.

That's of no consolation to Trump, who continued to rail against Merchan for trying the case in the first place, citing the Supreme Court's ruling last summer that he should have immunity for official acts as president.

"I appreciate the time and effort of the United States Supreme Court in trying to remedy the great injustice done to me by the highly conflicted 'Acting Justice,' who should not have been allowed to try this case," Trump wrote. "Every Legal Scholar stated, unequivocally, that this is a case that should never have been brought. There was no case against me. In other words, I am innocent of all of the Judge's made up, fake charges."

Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records over a $130,000 payment disgraced former attorney Michael Cohen paid to porn actor Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The payment was to buy her silence over an alleged sexual encounter from years earlier. Trump has steadfastly denied ever having an affair with Daniels and has appealed the verdict.

"This was nothing other than Weaponization of our Justice System against a Political Opponent," Trump wrote. "It's called Lawfare, and nothing like this has ever happened in the United States of America, and it should never be allowed to happen again."

The Supreme Court was divided 5-4 against Trump, with Chief Justice John Roberts and Trump-appointee Amy Coney Barrett ruling on the side of the three liberal justices. Their decision came a day after New York's highest court declined to delay sentencing.

"For the sake and sanctity of the Presidency, I will be appealing this case, and am confident that JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL," Trump wrote. "The pathetic, dying remnants of the Witch Hunts against me will not distract us as we unite and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

• Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Bid to Delay Sentencing in His N.Y. Case
• N.Y.'s Top Appeals Court Won't Block Trump Sentencing