Key Points from Opening Statements in Trump’s Hush-Money Trial
First Criminal Trial for Former US President Donald Trump Underway in New York
Former President Donald Trump faced a tough day in court on Monday as the first criminal trial for a former US president began in New York. The trial revolves around Trump’s alleged attempt to illegally influence the 2016 election by covering up hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records, was confronted with the unsavory details of his alleged affair with Daniels and his involvement in the cover-up scheme. Prosecutors focused on how Trump’s actions were aimed at violating campaign finance laws to benefit his 2016 presidential campaign.
During the trial, Trump appeared uncomfortable as the prosecutor detailed the alleged conspiracy and fraud orchestrated by the former president. Trump’s lawyers, on the other hand, tried to shift the blame to his former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, claiming that Trump was unaware of the specifics of the hush-money payments.
The trial is expected to last for six weeks, putting Trump’s composure to the test as he faces the legal consequences of his actions. The key takeaways from the start of the trial highlight the intense scrutiny and legal battle that Trump is now facing as the first former US president to stand trial for criminal charges.