NEW YORK – Former U.S. President Donald Trump appeared in a Manhattan court on Monday to face charges of hush-money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. This marks a historic first for a former president standing criminal trial.
Trump, dressed in his usual blue suit and red tie, sat at the defense table as Justice Juan Merchan denied motions from Trump’s lawyers to recuse himself. Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential candidate, is required to attend the trial, which is expected to last through May.
Prosecutors accuse Trump of falsifying records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has denied any relationship with Daniels and pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Police secured the courthouse amid a handful of protesters, while Trump’s motorcade traveled from Trump Tower. Though regarded as the least significant of Trump’s four criminal cases, this trial is the only one expected to occur before the November 5 election.
Trump’s previous court appearances have served to rally his supporters, as he claims political targeting. Limited gag orders have been placed on him due to his criticism of witnesses and court officials.
Witnesses expected to testify include Daniels and Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen. Trump plans to testify in his own defense, potentially facing tough cross-examination.
The trial involves allegations of a broader scheme to suppress damaging information before the 2016 election, in which Trump defeated Hillary Clinton. Trump is accused of falsely recording reimbursements to Cohen as legal fees in his real estate company’s books, a felony in New York.
Trump’s legal team argues the payments to Cohen in 2017 were for legal services during Trump’s presidency, challenging Cohen’s credibility. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to violating campaign finance law, though Trump was not charged at the time.
Sourcse: Reuters