Former President Donald Trump is making history by becoming the first current or former president to go on trial. The trial in New York City will focus on 34 state felony charges accusing Trump of falsifying business records in relation to hush-money payments made to Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair during the 2016 election. Trump has denied these allegations. His legal team has attempted to delay or postpone the trial without success, and it is the first of four criminal cases against him to go to trial. The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks, with Trump required to be present in the courtroom throughout.
The trial is not expected to be televised due to New York State’s restrictive laws banning cameras in courtrooms. However, still photographs may be allowed. Trump is expected to generate significant media coverage by holding impromptu press conferences and dominating the news cycle through his various legal cases. Despite Trump’s claims that the trial is election interference, his political team is developing a schedule that includes campaign events on days when court is not in session. They remain confident in their ability to propel Trump to victory in the November election.
President Biden and his campaign team have largely refrained from direct comments on Trump’s legal troubles, preferring to focus on the needs of the American people and earning their vote. However, as the trial progresses, Biden allies may launch sharper attacks in response. While Trump is in court this week, Biden will be campaigning in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state that he narrowly carried in 2020. His campaign stops in this state are seen as counter-programming to Trump’s trial and will focus on his plans to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans.
The trial will have a significant impact on the 2024 presidential campaign, with Trump’s courtroom appearances and legal battles likely to dominate the news cycle. Trump has utilized his legal troubles in past campaigns to rally support among GOP voters and boost fundraising. Despite attempts to delay or dismiss the trial, Trump will be required to attend throughout its duration. Coverage of the trial is expected to be extensive, with media attention focused on Trump’s courtroom appearances and statements.
The trial may serve to energize Trump’s base and spur fundraising efforts, given his history of using legal challenges as a rallying cry. Trump’s campaign team is confident in their ability to navigate the trial and maintain momentum leading up to the November election. The trial, combined with Biden’s election strategy, will shape the dynamics of the 2024 campaign and influence voter perceptions of both candidates. As the trial progresses, both campaigns will likely adjust their strategies and messaging to leverage the trial’s outcomes and implications.
