Former President Trump Faces Trial Over ‘Hush Money’ Payments
In a historic trial, former US President Donald Trump has entered the courtroom in New York facing charges of fraud and corruption related to the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors allege that Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to influence the election by making ‘hush money’ payments to adult film actor Stormy Daniels. They claim that these payments were made to conceal an alleged extramarital affair between Trump and Daniels, which could have damaged his campaign.
The prosecution presented opening arguments outlining a three-pronged ‘catch and kill’ technique allegedly employed by Trump to suppress negative stories during the election. This involved using a tabloid to buy and bury damaging stories about Trump’s alleged affairs and illegitimate child.
Prosecutors emphasized the $130,000 payment made to Daniels, which they argue constituted hush money to buy her silence. They explained that Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, facilitated the payment and was later reimbursed by Trump through falsified business records, violating election campaign finance laws.
Trump’s Defense: ‘No Crime Committed’
Trump’s defense team vehemently denied the charges, maintaining that Trump did not commit any crime. They argued that influencing an election is not illegal in the context of democracy. The defense also claimed that the payments to Daniels were not criminal and that she had signed a non-disclosure agreement in exchange for the $130,000.
Trump himself has repeatedly denounced the trial as a ‘witch hunt’ and an attempt to interfere with his current political campaigns. He expressed frustration at being kept away from campaigning while his rival continues his efforts.
