Former President Donald Trump is set to make history as he arrives in lower Manhattan for the commencement of his criminal trial, becoming the first former president to face such charges. Despite efforts to delay the trial, jury selection is slated to begin, marking a significant milestone in legal proceedings.
The trial revolves around allegations of a potential sex scandal cover-up preceding the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors assert that Trump falsified business records to conceal hush money payments made to influence the election outcome. Trump has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty and refuting claims of an affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg faces a pivotal moment as he leads the prosecution in what could be the only trial of Trump’s four criminal cases before Election Day. Trump, now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, will pivot from the campaign trail to the courtroom, expected to attend proceedings four days a week for the next two months.
The charges against Trump include 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. If convicted, Judge Juan Merchan could sentence Trump to probation or a maximum prison term of 1 1/3 to 4 years per count. Notably, presidential pardons do not extend to state crimes, adding weight to the trial’s outcome.
Key figures from Trump’s inner circle, including his former attorney Michael Cohen and long-time confidante Hope Hicks, are expected to testify against him. Prosecutors allege that Trump orchestrated the cover-up, involving falsified business records and covert financial transactions, directly from the Oval Office.
While the trial promises dramatic revelations, much of the testimony may focus on the intricate details of back-office recordkeeping. Prosecutors have identified 18 potential witnesses to authenticate financial documents pivotal to the case.
The burden of proof rests on the prosecution to demonstrate Trump’s intent to commit or conceal a crime through falsified records, with the actual commission of the crime being secondary. Trump’s defense team, led by seasoned attorneys, is poised to challenge the credibility of witnesses and argue the legality of hush money payments.
As the trial unfolds, Trump’s legal and political future hangs in the balance. His courtroom battles coincide with his campaign efforts, posing a unique challenge as he navigates the dual roles of defendant and presidential contender.