The criminal trial of former President Donald Trump for hush money payments is set to begin on Monday in New York City. The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, has already seen a full panel of jurors and alternates selected. Trump’s attorneys attempted to delay the trial by seeking a change of venue, but their request was swiftly denied. Trump has complained that the judge is moving the proceedings along quickly, calling the case a “witch hunt.”
The completion of the jury selection process was marred by a shocking incident outside the courthouse, where a man set himself on fire. The man is currently in critical condition at a nearby hospital. Throughout the jury selection process, some potential jurors were dismissed due to impartiality concerns. Trump was informed during a hearing about what prosecutors could question him on if he decides to testify under oath, including his past legal issues such as business fraud and defamation cases.
Trump has been ordered to pay significant fines in two separate civil cases, including one involving allegations of sexual abuse. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office wants to challenge Trump’s credibility by asking him about these cases if he decides to testify. Trump has expressed his intention to testify in the hush money trial, even though he is not required to do so. He has criticized the trial as a “scam” and a “witch hunt” designed to damage his electoral chances.
The charges against Trump in the hush money trial involve falsifying business records to cover up payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels, who alleges she had a sexual encounter with Trump while he was married. The payment was reportedly made to influence the 2016 presidential election by suppressing damaging information. Trump has consistently denied the allegations made by Daniels. The trial proceedings are expected to begin on Monday morning, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold in the coming weeks.
