Donald Trump’s hush money criminal trial is set to begin with opening statements today. Last week, a jury was selected to decide the case. The opening statements are expected to provide insights into the allegations and Trump’s defense strategy.
The trial centers around accusations that Trump manipulated his company’s internal records to conceal the true nature of payments to his ex-fixer, Michael Cohen. Cohen arranged payments to suppress negative stories about Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has pleaded not guilty.
A controversial witness list includes Cohen, porn actor Stormy Daniels, and former tabloid publisher David Pecker. Key figures in the trial include Judge Juan Merchan, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and Trump’s lawyers Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles.
Merchan is overseeing the case and has affirmed his commitment to being fair and impartial. Bragg inherited the Trump investigation upon taking office in 2021 and previously oversaw the prosecution of Trump’s company in an unrelated tax fraud case. Blanche and Necheles are experienced defense attorneys who have represented high-profile clients in previous cases.
