The Long-Awaited Trial Against Donald Trump Begins in New York: Accused of Buying Silence of Porn Actress

Former President Donald Trump is set to make history as the first ex-president of the United States to face trial for alleged crimes. The trial is scheduled to begin on Monday in New York, with jury selection determining his fate during the ongoing presidential election campaign.

Trump, a Republican candidate, is appearing before Judge Juan Manuel Merchan of the Manhattan Supreme Court to respond to accusations of paying $130,000 to former porn actress Stormy Daniels to keep silent about an extramarital affair. The funds were allegedly disguised as legal expenses of the Trump Organization, the family business, potentially leading to a prison sentence of up to four years.

Despite the trial, it would not prevent Trump from running in the upcoming presidential elections, where he will face Democrat Joe Biden. However, his status as a convicted felon could introduce an unprecedented level of uncertainty into the elections.

Legal experts consider this trial to be the weakest case among the various legal challenges Trump is facing. Trump has continuously claimed to be a victim of political persecution and has attempted to delay the trial on multiple occasions.

During a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump once again asserted his innocence and claimed that the accusations against him were politically motivated. He has criticized the trial as an assault on American democracy, stating that he will not receive a fair trial in New York, a city known for its Democratic leanings.

Despite his concerns, Trump has declared his willingness to testify during the trial, which is expected to last six to eight weeks. The court is under high security, anticipating demonstrations from supporters and opponents of Trump, as well as global media attention.

Unlike other states, New York courts do not allow television cameras, so only the written press will cover the proceedings. The trial begins with the selection of 12 jurors who will determine Trump’s guilt or innocence, a process that may take several days.

Trump faces accusations of falsifying accounting documents of the Trump Organization to conceal payments to Stormy Daniels. The key witness for the prosecution is Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer who has already been convicted for his role in the payments.

With the trial about to commence, all eyes are on the Manhattan courtroom as the legal proceedings unfold, seeking to establish the truth behind the allegations against the former president.