Trump Hush Money Trial Opens with Jury Selection and Opening Statements
The historic first criminal trial of a former U.S. president, Donald Trump, began on Monday with the selection of a 13-member jury and the commencement of opening statements. The trial centers on allegations that Trump falsified his company’s internal records to obscure the true nature of reimbursement payments made to his former fixer and lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Cohen, who will testify as a key witness for the prosecution, arranged hush money payments to bury negative stories about Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. The prosecution alleges that Trump falsely reported these payments as legal expenses to conceal their purpose.
In his opening statement, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass warned prospective jurors that they may have “some baggage” due to the high-profile nature of the case. He presented evidence that Trump directed Cohen to make the payments and later reimbursed him through his company, the Trump Organization.
Trump’s defense attorney, Susan Necheles, countered that the prosecution’s case is based on “speculation and innuendo” and that Trump had no knowledge of any wrongdoing by Cohen. She argued that Cohen is a “convicted felon” who is seeking revenge against Trump.
The trial is expected to call upon a number of high-profile witnesses, including Stormy Daniels, a porn actor who received hush money from Cohen, and Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who alleges an affair with Trump.
The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump’s political future, as he is currently a leading candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election.
