Former President Trump’s legal tribulations will be in the spotlight this week as he navigates several critical court battles. The most prominent event is the New York hush money trial, where jury selection was completed last week. Opening statements are anticipated to begin on Monday.
Trump faces 34 charges of falsifying business records related to a payment made by his former fixer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to conceal an alleged affair prior to the 2016 election. The prosecution must demonstrate that Trump intentionally fabricated business documents to defraud or commit further crimes.
Aside from the hush money trial, Trump will also face a hearing on Monday pertaining to his $175 million bond in a separate New York civil fraud case. The state attorney general’s office seeks to revoke the bond, questioning its validity and collateralization.
On Tuesday, a hearing will be held to address a potential violation of the gag order imposed on Trump. Prosecutors allege that Trump violated the order with recent social media posts targeting potential witnesses in the hush money case.
Finally, on Thursday, the Supreme Court will consider oral arguments concerning Trump’s assertion of immunity from criminal prosecution in connection with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump’s lawyers argue that former presidents possess absolute immunity, a claim previously rejected by lower courts.
Despite the Supreme Court hearing, Trump is obligated to be present for the entirety of the hush money trial unless granted special permission by the judge.
