Prosecutors intensify investigation into Trump’s inner circle during hush money trial | Global News

Former President Donald Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with payments made to stifle potentially embarrassing stories. The hush money trial has prosecutors delving deeper into Trump’s inner circle, with former White House official Hope Hicks taking the witness stand in Manhattan.

Hicks provided jurors with an insider’s view of a crucial moment in the 2016 campaign when a recording surfaced of Trump making lewd comments about women. The trial, now in its third week, is building towards testimony from Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, and fixer.

Prosecutors allege that Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, reimbursed Cohen for payments to porn actor Stormy Daniels and provided him with bonuses and extra payments. These transactions were allegedly falsely recorded in company records as legal expenses.

Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied any sexual encounters with the women involved. His defense team has sought to undermine the credibility of witnesses, suggesting that Trump may have been a victim of extortion.

The trial is part of a series of legal challenges facing Trump, including allegations of election interference and mishandling classified documents. This trial is expected to be the only one to reach a verdict before the November election.

As the case unfolds, the public is watching closely to see how it will impact Trump’s political future and whether he will be held accountable for his actions. Stay tuned for more updates as the trial progresses.