A criminal trial against former President Donald Trump commenced on Monday with opening arguments. The trial involves allegations that Trump falsified business records related to payments made during the 2016 presidential election, including a payment of $130,000 to his former lawyer Michael Cohen. Cohen claims the payment was for reimbursement of a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who alleges she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Trump denies any wrongdoing and has denied having a sexual relationship with Daniels.
The prosecution is expected to call Daniels and Cohen as witnesses, as well as former Playboy playmate Karen McDougal, who claims she was paid $150,000 by the parent company of the National Enquirer in 2016 for the rights to her story about an alleged 10-month affair with Trump. Trump also denies having sex with McDougal. Hope Hicks, a former White House communications director under Trump, is also expected to take the stand.
The trial is expected to last months and could impact Trump’s potential candidacy in the 2024 presidential election. Despite facing 34 felony charges, experts believe it is unlikely that Trump will be sentenced to prison, which would not legally prevent him from running for office or being elected.
