Donald Trump to stand trial as the first former U.S. President charged criminally, involving alleged hush money coverup before the 2016 elections
In a groundbreaking legal proceeding, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, will arrive in lower Manhattan on Monday to face trial for criminal charges, marking him as the first ex-president to do so. Set to start with jury selection, this process might extend over a week until a full panel of 12 New Yorkers and alternates is chosen.
The charges stem from accusations right before the 2016 presidential election, where Trump allegedly orchestrated a coverup to conceal hush money payments aimed at influencing the election results. He has entered a plea of not guilty and refutes claims of an affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels, central to the allegations.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, spearheading the prosecution, sees this trial as a crucial test. Trump, meanwhile, swaps campaign rallies for court appearances, facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. If convicted, he faces possible probation or up to four years in state prison per count, with no presidential pardon powers applicable to state convictions.
The trial promises dramatic testimonies from figures once close to Trump, like Michael Cohen, his former attorney, and David Pecker, ex-CEO of the company behind the National Enquirer. Expected evidence includes detailed financial records and possibly an audio recording of Trump discussing a payoff.
As the trial proceeds, the focus will be on proving Trump falsified business records with intent to commit or hide another crime, potentially breaching election or tax laws. Trump’s defence, managed by a team including seasoned New York lawyers, will likely argue the legality of the hush money and attempt to discredit witnesses like Daniels and Cohen.
This high-stakes trial not only explores deep into the operations within Trump’s circle and his actions as President but also holds implications for his future in political and public life, amidst other ongoing legal battles.
