Former United States President Donald Trump is set to appear in a Manhattan court today as his criminal trial, centered around allegations of a “hush money” scheme, enters its third week. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential race, faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The prosecution contends that Trump paid Daniels to ensure her silence about an alleged affair before the 2016 presidential election, with the aim of influencing the race.
During the first week of the trial, the focus was primarily on jury selection, while the second week witnessed the presentation of opening statements and witness testimonies from both the prosecution and the defense. The trial is expected to last approximately six weeks, according to Judge Juan Merchan.
Last week, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker took the stand as the first witness. Pecker testified that he became a conduit for Trump’s campaign, engaging in a “catch and kill” scheme to suppress potentially damaging stories about the then-presidential candidate. These stories included allegations of an affair with model Karen McDougal and claims from a Trump Tower doorman regarding an illegitimate child. Prosecutors argue that this scheme was part of a coordinated effort to minimize scrutiny over Trump’s alleged sexual misconduct.
Rhona Graff, Trump’s former business assistant, also testified, stating that she had seen Daniels at Trump Tower before Trump’s presidential campaign and that Trump had expressed interest in casting her on his reality TV show, The Apprentice. Additionally, banker Gary Farro testified that Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, had set up accounts for two shell companies, including one used to pay Daniels. Farro’s testimony is set to continue today.
Judge Merchan may rule this week on whether Trump violated a partial gag order that prohibits him from discussing individuals involved in the trial, including Cohen and Daniels, both of whom are expected to testify. Prosecutors claim that Trump has violated this order multiple times through social media posts and public comments, even within the courtroom. While potential penalties could include jail time, prosecutors have not sought such punishment at this time.
It is important to note that this trial is one of four criminal indictments currently faced by Trump. The US Supreme Court recently heard arguments from Trump’s defense team, who argue that his actions while in office should be protected under presidential immunity. The outcome of this case will directly impact one of the federal indictments against him, which alleges that Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 election. Trump also faces a separate federal case in Florida related to the removal and concealment of classified documents from the White House after his term ended. Additionally, a state-level case in Georgia involves further allegations regarding efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
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