Former President Donald Trump is set to stand trial over criminal charges surrounding hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels and others. The trial will begin on Monday and will coincide with Trump’s potential 2024 election campaign. The charges stem from payments made by Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, allegedly to quiet claims of extramarital affairs. Prosecutors claim that the Trump Organization fraudulently reimbursed Cohen and logged the payments as legal expenses. The case alleges that Trump engaged in a ‘catch-and-kill’ scheme to hide negative information during the election.
The charges against Trump include 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Prosecutors will have to prove that Trump falsified records with the intent to commit or conceal a second crime, potentially leading to a felony charge. However, legal experts believe that if convicted, Trump is unlikely to face a long prison sentence, speculating that he may receive probation or up to four years in prison. Prosecutors are arguing that Trump falsified the records to conceal campaign finance crimes, a claim that has been met with skepticism.
The case will be overseen by Judge Juan M. Merchan, who has previously presided over high-profile cases, including cases involving the Trump Organization and Steve Bannon. Trump has voiced his opposition to Merchan on social media, calling for the judge to recuse himself. The jury selection process will involve a large group of potential jurors being asked questions to determine their ability to be impartial. The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks, with Trump required to be present throughout the proceedings.
Trump has consistently denied the allegations in the case, referring to it as a “witch hunt.” He has criticized the trial as a communist show trial orchestrated by the Biden administration. Despite a gag order preventing him from publicly discussing the case, Trump has expressed his intent to testify, stating that he will tell the truth. The trial will not be televised, and Trump’s potential candidacy for the 2024 election is expected to be impacted by the outcome of the trial. Legal experts have expressed skepticism over the charges against Trump and the link to campaign finance crimes.
