Article Summary –
Donald Trump, former U.S. President, is facing charges in Manhattan concerning a “hush money” payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016, and a New York judge is expected to rule on whether the case will proceed to trial. Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsification of business records, accused of falsifying records to conceal payments made to his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, which prosecutors claim were reimbursements for money paid to Daniels. Aside from this case, Trump is also implicated in three other criminal proceedings in Washington, Florida, and Georgia.
Trump Case on Hush Money Payments Could Proceed to Trial
A New York judge will soon decide if the Manhattan district attorney’s case against former U.S. president Donald Trump will proceed to trial. Trump’s case involves the circumstances surrounding a “hush money” payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016. Trump, who is facing 34 felony counts of falsification of business records, has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty.
Trump has constantly accused District Attorney Alvin Bragg of using the case for political advancement. Judge Juan Merchan set a preliminary trial date for March 25 during a hearing last May. Merchan will rule on pretrial motions at Thursday’s hearing, which includes one from Trump seeking to dismiss the case.
Trump’s Legal Troubles
Trump is accused of scheming to falsify records to conceal payments made to his former lawyer Michael Cohen. Prosecutors allege these payments were reimbursements for a hush money payment to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. Trump’s lawyers have refuted these claims, stating Trump was reimbursing Cohen for legal expenses.
The former president’s legal issues have increased, with charges filed against him in three other criminal proceedings: federal cases in Washington, D.C., and Florida, and a state case in Georgia. Trump has opted to attend the New York hearing over a concurrent one in Georgia, which involves allegations against District Attorney Fani Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade of improper use of public funds while pursuing a romantic relationship.
The Washington federal case, which is about Trump’s attempts to overthrow President Biden’s 2020 presidential election win, was set for March 4. However, this date is on hold as Trump appeals a rejected presidential immunity claim to the Supreme Court.
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