Trump trial begins in Manhattan court
Trump trial: In a landmark event in U.S. legal history, the first criminal trial of a former president, Donald J. Trump, commenced on Monday in Manhattan, marking a pivotal moment as both prosecution and defense prepared to select a 12-person jury.
Speaking to reporters outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, Trump characterized the trial as an “attack on a political opponent,” vehemently denying the 34 state charges of falsifying business records related to a pre-election payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Trump’s defense team portrays the prosecution as a Democratic ploy to hinder his political future.
Meanwhile, prosecutors sought Judge Merchan’s permission to hold Trump in contempt for allegedly violating a gag order through social media posts.
During the Trump trial, Assistant District Attorney Chris Conroy highlighted three posts as potential violations, each carrying a $1,000 fine.
Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, defended the posts as responses to attacks from key witnesses, including Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen.
Judge Juan Merchan swiftly denied Trump’s legal team’s motion for his recusal due to his daughter’s professional ties, asserting it relied on “inferences” and “unsupported allegations.”
As both sides sparred over evidence and trial logistics during the Trump trial process, Merchan granted prosecutors permission to introduce evidence suggesting Trump colluded with Michael Cohen and the National Enquirer to manipulate media coverage before the 2016 election.
With pretrial issues addressed, over 500 potential jurors will undergo questioning, many witnessing Trump’s presence firsthand.
The jury will hear allegations that Trump falsified records to conceal payments to Cohen, aiming to silence Daniels about an alleged affair.
The selection process, expected to span over a week, involves comprehensive vetting, including questioning about social media habits and occupation.
Following jury selection, the prosecution will present its case, followed by the defense.
Trump, mandated to attend daily proceedings, faces a trial predicted to span six to eight weeks. Merchan reiterated the obligation for Trump’s presence, cautioning that absence could result in arrest.
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