The historic trial of former President Donald Trump commenced in a Manhattan courtroom, marking a significant moment in American history as the first criminal trial of a former US president. Charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, Trump pleaded not guilty as jury selection began.
The trial, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is one of four state and federal indictments Trump faces, with this trial potentially being the only one before the November election. The case centers on allegations that Trump schemed to hide evidence of an affair to avoid losing support from women voters.
Jury selection, expected to last around two weeks, began amidst several key rulings by Justice Juan Merchan. Merchan rejected a motion from Trump’s defense team citing alleged conflicts of interest involving the judge’s family. He also ruled against allowing evidence about Trump’s alleged sexual assaults, calling them “rumors,” but permitted comments made by Trump on the “Access Hollywood” tape.
Payments totaling $130,000 to Stormy Daniels, made by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, are central to the case. Cohen admitted the payments were aimed at buying Daniels’ silence about an affair she says she had with Trump.
Legal experts note a major challenge facing Bragg: in New York state, falsifying business records is a misdemeanor unless done to conceal another crime. Bragg alleges Trump intended to conceal campaign finance violations and a tax crime, although prosecutors don’t need to prove these underlying crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.
The trial’s political impact could be significant, with polling suggesting a Trump conviction could sway some voters. Trump’s loyal supporters gathered outside the courtroom, denouncing the trial as a politically motivated witch hunt, while critics emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law.
As the trial unfolds, Trump’s legal team aims to slow down proceedings, hoping to preserve issues for appeal. Prosecutors have sought to fine Trump for violating a gag order, prohibiting him from discussing witnesses, the DA’s office, or court staff, on social media.
Despite the legal challenges, Trump’s trial remains a focal point, showcasing the intersection of law, politics, and democracy in the United States.