A prosecutor argued in Manhattan Supreme Court that former President Donald Trump led a criminal hush money scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election. The prosecutor claimed that Trump covered up this conspiracy through lying in his New York business records multiple times. The defense countered by stating that there was nothing criminal about Trump’s actions and that influencing an election is a normal part of democracy. The trial revolves around Trump’s alleged violations of a gag order, with prosecutors accusing him of seven violations since jury selection began. Trump dismissed the charges as minor bookkeeping issues and expressed displeasure with the case.
The prosecution’s first witness was David Pecker, the former CEO of National Enquirer publisher American Media. Pecker is deeply involved in efforts to hide negative information about Trump ahead of the 2016 election through payments to women like Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. The prosecutor described how Trump, Cohen, and Pecker conspired in influencing the election outcome through a practice known as “catch and kill.” They would pay for exclusive rights to stories and then not publish them. Trump and his associates also allegedly spread negative news about opponents while promoting positive stories about him. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal payments to Cohen.
Trump’s attorney argued that these counts were not criminal and were just pieces of paper. Blanche claimed that Trump’s actions were not illegal and that trying to influence an election is a standard practice in democracy. While Trump did not take the stand on Monday, he has expressed a willingness to testify. The trial is expected to last around six weeks. Despite Trump’s complaints about being unable to campaign due to the trial, he continues to defend the payments as legitimate legal expenses. The jury is composed of 12 members and six alternates who were seated after numerous potential jurors were disqualified due to their inability to be impartial.
Before the trial began, Trump’s defense team made multiple attempts to delay or dismiss the case, including requesting a pause from a Manhattan appeals court. The defense argued that Trump could not receive a fair jury in New York City, where he is unpopular. However, the appeals court rejected this effort, and a full jury was seated on the same day. This historic trial reflects the ongoing legal battles faced by the former president, who continues to be embroiled in controversies stemming from his time in office. The prosecution maintains that Trump engaged in a criminal conspiracy to influence the 2016 election, while the defense maintains that his actions were lawful and within the bounds of the democratic process.
