Article Summary –
Former President Donald Trump is the first ex-president to face criminal trial, centering on allegations that he falsified business records to hide hush money payments ahead of the 2016 election. Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying records, and if convicted, could face probation or up to 4 years in state prison for each count. The trial hinges on prosecutors proving beyond reasonable doubt that Trump falsified records with intent to commit or conceal another crime, while Trump’s defense plans to argue that hush money payments are legal and the payments were made to prevent family embarrassment, not influence the election.
Donald Trump to Make History with Trial
Donald Trump is set to make history as the first former president to face criminal charges in a trial. Despite numerous attempts to postpone the proceedings, jury selection is commencing in lower Manhattan. The process of seating 12 New Yorkers, alongside their alternates, may take a week.
The Trial’s Focus
The trial centers around allegations of a sex scandal cover-up just before the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors suggest Trump falsified business records to conceal hush money payments intended to sway the election. Trump, however, pleads not guilty and denies having an affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Implications for Manhattan District Attorney
This case will be a significant challenge for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. With Trump’s courtroom presence estimated at four days a week for the following two months, this may be the only one of Trump’s four criminal cases to face a jury before Election Day.
Testimonies and Charges
Despite Trump’s court appearances rallying supporters, the stakes for him are high. He is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. If convicted, Judge Juan Merchan, overseeing the trial, could sentence Trump to probation or a maximum sentence of 1 1/3 to 4 years on each count in state prison. A president cannot pardon state crimes.
Key Witnesses
Key witnesses against Trump include his former attorney Michael Cohen, and David Pecker, ex-CEO of the National Enquirer. The trial may also feature at least one recording of Trump and Cohen discussing a catch and kill deal.
Prosecution’s Burden
Prosecutors need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump falsified business records with the intent to commit or conceal another crime. The prosecution believes this second crime could be violating federal and state election laws or state tax laws for how the Cohen reimbursement was handled.
Defense Strategy
Trump’s defense team plans to undermine the credibility of Daniels and Cohen, painting them as liars motivated by grudges and money. The defense may argue the payments were made to prevent embarrassment to Trump’s family, not to influence the election.
The Context of the Trial
The trial roots back to the final days of the 2016 presidential election when Stormy Daniels threatened to go public about her alleged sexual relations with Trump. In response, Trump’s allies allegedly scrambled to pay Daniels hush money.
Origin of the Hush Money
Prosecutors allege that Trump agreed to reimburse Cohen, who coordinated the details with Allen Weisselberg, the former longtime chief financial officer of the Trump Organization. As part of the alleged scheme, the Trump Organization paid Cohen $420,000 to reimburse him for the payment, political work, taxes, and a bonus.
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