In a historic trial, former President Donald Trump faces criminal charges related to his alleged role in a conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election.
On Monday, prosecutors presented their case to a jury of New Yorkers, outlining a narrative that spans from politics to sex to accounting. Trump’s attorneys, however, argue that the case is baseless and that the former president is innocent.
According to Manhattan prosecutor Matthew Colangelo, Trump orchestrated a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 election and then covered it up. However, Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, countered that the former president did not commit any crimes and that the case should never have been brought.
Donald Trump (Credits: CNN)
The trial, which is expected to open out over several weeks, will feature testimony from key witnesses, including Michael Cohen, Trump’s former fixer and personal lawyer, and Stormy Daniels, a porn actor who allegedly had a sexual encounter with Trump.
Prosecutors will attempt to convince the jury that Trump criminally covered up a hush money deal to influence the election, while Trump’s attorneys will argue that the arrangements were legal and commonplace.
In his opening statement, Blanche sought to discredit Cohen and Daniels, portraying them as unreliable witnesses. He also argued that hush money alone is not illegal and that Trump’s arrangements were similar to everyday nondisclosure agreements.
Donald Trump (Credits: CNN)
Prosecutors, on the other hand, will present a narrative that Trump sought to silence Daniels and that Cohen made mistakes in the past. They will also detail the so-called “catch-and-kill” conspiracy, in which Trump and Cohen allegedly worked with American Media to squelch bad press about Trump.
This trial marks a historic moment in American history, as it is the first criminal trial of a current or former president. Trump faces charges of falsifying business records, and the outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for his political future.
