Donald Trump’s trial for criminal charges is set to begin in lower Manhattan, marking him as the first former president to face such charges. The trial focuses on a potential sex scandal coverup that occurred just before the 2016 presidential election, with prosecutors alleging that Trump falsified business records to hide hush money payments made to influence the election outcome. Despite denying the allegations, Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg will lead the case against Trump, with jury selection expected to begin shortly. Trump’s legal team consists of experienced federal prosecutors who plan to attack the credibility of key witnesses like Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen. The trial is expected to last for two months, with the former president facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. If convicted, Trump could face a maximum sentence of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison for each count.
Witnesses from Trump’s inner circle, including Michael Cohen and David Pecker, will provide testimony against the former president. Prosecutors allege that Trump signed off on the cover-up involving falsifying business records to reimburse Cohen for phony legal services. The trial will also provide insight into the Oval Office, with potential audio recordings of Trump and Cohen discussing the cover-up. While the allegations are salacious, much of the testimony will focus on back-office recordkeeping.
In an effort to distance Trump from the repayment scheme, his legal team may argue that the hush money payments were legal and made to prevent embarrassment to his family rather than to influence the election. Trump may decide to testify in his own defense, a move that could have significant consequences in a criminal case. The trial will also examine previous “catch and kill” deals involving Daniels, a doorman, and a former Playboy playmate, highlighting a pattern of attempts to silence damaging stories.
The trial is a major test for Manhattan District Attorney Bragg, as it may be the only criminal case against Trump to face a jury before Election Day. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for Trump’s future political ambitions, as a conviction could lead to a prison sentence. Despite efforts to derail the trial, it is set to proceed with jury selection and testimony from key witnesses expected to shed light on the alleged cover-up. Trump’s legal team remains confident in their defense strategy, looking to undermine the credibility of witnesses and argue the legality of the hush money payments.
