Former President Donald Trump made history on Monday as he appeared in a New York courtroom for the start of his trial on charges of falsifying business records. This trial marks the first time in US history that a president, past or present, has faced criminal charges, with three other criminal cases pending.
The trial, expected to last six weeks, is the first of four separate criminal trials that Trump faces. Prosecutors are aiming to convict him on 34 felony charges related to hush-money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, whom Trump allegedly had an affair with. The payments were allegedly made to suppress negative press and hide information from voters just before the 2016 presidential election, which Trump went on to win.
On the first day of the trial, Trump arrived at the Manhattan court and declared the trial to be an “assault on America” and “political persecution.” He has consistently labeled the charges against him as part of a political “witch-hunt.” Trump’s legal team has attempted to delay the trial by calling for the judge to recuse himself, citing conflicts of interest, but the judge denied this request.
Prosecutors also sought to penalize Trump for violating a court gag order, which he allegedly defied multiple times by making statements about possible witnesses and their credibility. The judge will hold a hearing on this matter later in the month.
During the trial, the prosecution requested to play an Access Hollywood recording in which Trump made controversial remarks about women, but the judge denied this request. The recording will not be played in court, but witnesses can be questioned about it.
Jury selection began on the first day of the trial, with over 500 potential jurors being evaluated. However, more than half of the 96 prospective jurors present raised their hands indicating they could not be impartial, and they were dismissed immediately. No jurors were seated on Monday.
Outside the courtroom, shares of Trump’s social media company, the Trump Media & Technology Group, tumbled by 15 percent. The company’s stock has been volatile since its public offering, falling nearly 60 percent from its peak. Shares were at $27.56 as Trump’s trial began.
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1. Historic Trial: Donald Trump has become the first US president, past or present, to face a criminal trial. This trial is the first of four separate criminal trials that he faces.
2. Charges: Trump is facing 34 felony charges related to hush-money payments he allegedly made to Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors argue that he attempted to hide these payments to prevent bad press and conceal information from voters before the 2016 presidential election.
3. Defence Strategy: Trump has framed the trial as an “assault on America” and “political persecution.” He has dismissed the charges as a political “witch-hunt” and has used the legal proceedings to energize his base and collect donations.
4. Judge’s Decision: Judge Juan Merchan denied a request from Trump’s defence team to recuse himself from the trial, despite allegations of a conflict of interest. Prosecutors also sought to penalize Trump for violating a court gag order.
5. Jury Selection: The trial began with the jury selection process, with more than 500 prospective jurors being evaluated. 96 potential jurors were invited into the courtroom, but more than half indicated they could not be impartial and were dismissed.
6. Impact on Trump’s Business: Trump’s social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, saw its shares tumble by 15% on the first day of his trial. The company’s stock has been volatile since going public, falling nearly 60% overall.