Former President Donald Trump is set to make history as the first current or former president in the nation’s history to go on trial. This trial, which will take place in New York City, involves 34 state felony charges related to hush-money payments made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election to keep quiet about an alleged affair. Despite denying allegations and falsifying business records, Trump’s legal team has been unsuccessful in their attempts to delay or postpone the trial. This trial is the first of several criminal cases against Trump, including attempts to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents, and may be the only one to reach a verdict before the November election.
The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks, with jury selection beginning on Monday. Trump is required to be present throughout the trial, but the judge may provide some flexibility for him to attend legal hearings for his other cases that may take place during this time. While cameras won’t be allowed inside the courtroom due to New York’s strict laws prohibiting broadcasts of trials, still photographs may be permitted. Trump’s courtroom appearances and press conferences are expected to generate significant media coverage, allowing him to dominate news cycles both on television and online.
Trump has claimed that the trial is “election interference” and has expressed concerns about its impact on his 2024 campaign. However, sources close to Trump’s political orbit are mapping out a campaign schedule that maximizes events when court is not in session, like Wednesdays and weekends. Despite the trial, Trump’s campaign is confident in their message, operations, and fundraising abilities to secure a victory in November. Trump has used the multiple criminal cases against him as a way to portray himself as a victim and rally support among GOP voters.
President Biden and his re-election campaign have refrained from direct comments on Trump’s criminal cases to avoid giving him any additional ammunition. However, as the trial progresses, there may be sharper attacks from Biden allies or surrogates. While Trump is in court, Biden will continue campaigning, with stops planned in key battleground states like Pennsylvania. The focus of Biden’s campaign in these states will likely be on his plans to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans, serving as a counterpoint to Trump’s trial. Overall, the trial is expected to have significant implications for both the 2024 presidential campaign and the political landscape at large.
