The criminal trial of former President Donald Trump in New York, involving hush money payments made during the 2016 election, is set to begin with jury selection. Trump is accused of being involved in an illegal conspiracy to influence the election and suppress negative information, including a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump has denied the affair and faces 34 counts of falsifying business records, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels, received a $130,000 payment just before the 2016 election to keep quiet about her alleged affair with Trump. Trump’s personal attorney at the time, Michael Cohen, was responsible for making the payment and has stated that Trump directed him to do so. Cohen, who has since gone to federal prison for campaign finance violations related to this payment, is expected to be a key witness in the trial. Attempts to bar Cohen from testifying were unsuccessful.
David Pecker, the former chairman of American Media Inc., was involved in orchestrating “catch and kill” schemes to suppress negative stories about Trump. Pecker is said to have helped broker the deal with Stormy Daniels, as well as another payment to model Karen McDougal. Pecker has been granted immunity for his testimony, and prosecutors are expected to use these payments to establish a pattern of behavior. Hope Hicks, Trump’s former campaign press secretary, is also expected to testify in the trial.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has led the investigation into Trump’s involvement in the hush money payments. Trump has criticized the investigation as politically motivated, but charges were still brought against him. The trial will be presided over by Judge Juan Merchan, who has previously handled cases involving Trump and his associates. Trump has attempted to have the judge recused from the case, but these requests have been denied. Merchan has imposed a gag order on Trump to prevent him from making statements about court proceedings or those involved in the case.
Overall, the trial concerning the hush money payments made by Trump during the 2016 election is expected to feature high-profile witnesses such as Michael Cohen and could shed light on the former president’s actions leading up to the election. The involvement of key figures like David Pecker and Hope Hicks will provide important context to the events surrounding the payments. Judge Juan Merchan will oversee the proceedings and has taken steps to ensure a fair trial, despite attempts by Trump to influence the case. The trial is a significant moment in the legal troubles that have surrounded Trump since leaving office.
