Donald Trump, the former American president, is facing a historic criminal trial as he becomes the first president to be tried in court. The trial, dubbed the “hush money case,” revolves around allegations that Trump falsified his business records to conceal a payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election.
Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg has hit Trump with 34 felony charges, accusing him of trying to cover up an extramarital affair with Daniels. Trump denies the affair and any wrongdoing in the case, but the trial promises to be sensational, with potential witnesses including Daniels, former Playboy model Karen McDougal, Trump’s ex-attorney Michael Cohen, and others.
In addition to this trial, Trump is also battling three other criminal indictments in Florida, Washington DC, and Georgia, as well as appealing two judgments against him in New York. Despite his legal team’s efforts to delay proceedings, Judge Juan Merchan has refused to postpone the trial, leading to a strict gag order against Trump.
While the former president has been vocal on social media and in public appearances, the courtroom proceedings will not be televised due to New York state laws. This limitation means that the public will rely on daily photographs and court sketches for updates on the trial.
As Trump continues to fight legal battles on multiple fronts, the outcome of this trial could have significant implications for his political future. The high-profile nature of the case is expected to draw intense media coverage and public interest, making it a potential cable news ratings bonanza.