Donald Trump’s Hush Money Trial: What to Know
Former President Donald Trump is set to make history as the first former president to stand trial on criminal charges when his hush money case opens Monday with jury selection. The case stems from allegations that Trump falsified internal records to conceal payments made to two women who claimed to have had extramarital affairs with him during his 2016 presidential campaign.
The Charges
Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, each carrying a potential sentence of up to four years in prison. The charges allege that Trump reimbursed Michael Cohen, his former lawyer and fixer, for payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, two women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump. Prosecutors argue that Trump’s company falsely recorded these payments as legal expenses.
Jury Selection
The process of selecting 12 jurors and six alternates will begin on Monday. Judge Juan M. Merchan will question potential jurors to determine their impartiality and potential biases. Among the questions jurors will be asked include whether they follow Trump on social media, have worked for a Trump organization, or have attended Trump or anti-Trump rallies.
Key Witnesses
Michael Cohen is expected to be a key prosecution witness, as he orchestrated the payoffs. Stormy Daniels, who alleges she had an unwanted sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, is also expected to testify.
Trump’s Defense
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has called the case a politically motivated witch hunt. His lawyers are expected to attack the credibility of prosecution witnesses and argue that the payments were not intended to influence the election.
Other Cases
Trump is also facing three other criminal cases, including one related to the 2020 election interference and another involving the possession of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The status of these cases may impact the outcome of the hush money trial.
