Former President Donald Trump is set to make history as the first former president to stand trial on criminal charges. The trial, starting with jury selection on Monday, involves allegations of hush money payments to suppress stories of extramarital affairs during Trump’s 2016 campaign. Trump is accused of falsifying records to cover up payments to porn actor Stormy Daniels, Playboy model Karen McDougal, and a Trump Tower doorman. The charges carry significant political implications, as they may be the only criminal case against Trump that could reach a verdict before the 2024 election.
The charges against Trump include falsifying internal Trump Organization records in order to conceal damaging stories that could have hurt his 2016 campaign. Payments to Daniels, McDougal, and the doorman were facilitated by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who arranged for the payments to be made through dubious practices. Prosecutors allege that Trump’s company reimbursed Cohen for these payments and falsely recorded them as legal expenses in company records. Cohen has pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance law in connection with the payments.
Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, which carry a potential prison sentence of up to four years. Prosecutors must prove that Trump falsified records with the intent to commit or conceal another crime, possibly related to campaign finance and tax violations. The trial will involve jury selection, with potential jurors being asked about their affiliations and biases to ensure a fair trial. Witnesses expected to testify include Cohen and Daniels, who have both been involved in previous legal proceedings related to the hush money payments.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has characterized the case as an attempt to undermine his political ambitions. His defense is likely to focus on discrediting prosecution witnesses, including Cohen and Daniels. Trump’s lawyers may argue that Cohen’s past criminal convictions and disbarment make him an unreliable witness. The defense team may also highlight contradictions in Daniels’ statements about her alleged encounter with Trump. Trump has pleaded not guilty in all three criminal cases against him and maintains his innocence.
Trump’s other criminal cases, including charges related to election interference and retaining classified documents, have faced delays due to legal challenges. It is uncertain whether these cases will go to trial before the November election. Trump has pleaded not guilty in all cases and claims he is innocent of any wrongdoing. The outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings against Trump could have significant implications for his future political prospects.
