The opening statements in Donald Trump’s criminal trial for hush money payments commenced on Monday, marking a historic moment in American history. Trump is the first former US president to face a criminal trial, with opening statements from prosecutors and defense attorneys heard by a 12-person jury in Manhattan.
The trial is expected to feature a colorful cast of characters, including a porn actor alleging a sexual encounter with Trump and a lawyer accused of paying her to remain silent. Jurors will consider whether Trump’s alleged concealment of information about extramarital affairs to protect his presidential bid in 2016 constitutes a crime.
Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and could face up to four years in prison if convicted. While a conviction wouldn’t bar him from seeking another presidential term, a guilty verdict in this state case would prevent him from pardoning himself.
Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in this and all other cases against him, characterizing them as politically motivated persecution. Despite these allegations, the trial marks a significant event in US history, highlighting the legal consequences faced by former presidents.
