New Delhi: Donald Trump took his seat Monday in the New York courtroom, becoming the first ex-president in US history to stand criminal trial, a seismic moment in the already explosive 2024 presidential campaign. Trump addressed a crowd of journalists outside the Manhattan courthouse, decrying his trial as an "outrage" and an "assault on America."
With a steely resolve, he proceeded into the courtroom, flanked by his legal team, and passed rows of wooden benches with a determined expression. The 77-year-old Republican faces allegations of falsifying business records, purportedly to conceal a reported encounter with adult film actress Stormy Daniels, in an effort to shield his 2016 election campaign from potential upheaval, reported AFP.
The "hush money affair" is just one of four criminal cases looming over Trump, including accusations of undermining the 2020 election to thwart Joe Biden's presidency. While a conviction in the hush money case could potentially result in years of imprisonment, legal analysts deem this outcome improbable.
Nonetheless, the possibility of Trump being branded a felon introduces an unprecedented element of uncertainty into the upcoming November 5 election, where he aims to unseat Biden and regain control.
The hard-right populist's campaign revolves around promises of "vengeance," portraying his criminal cases as proof of persecution. In a video released on Monday, Trump is depicted with presidential symbols, cautioning supporters that his adversaries aim to strip away his freedom, vowing to protect theirs. Despite the potential risks, Trump declared last week his intention to testify in the trial, maintaining his trademark bravado.
The trial commences with the crucial process of jury selection, expected to span several days. Presided over by Judge Juan Merchan, a group of ordinary citizens will be tasked with completing a questionnaire that includes inquiries about any affiliations with far-right organisations.
Trump Denies The Charges
The charges at hand center on intricate financial regulations. Trump stands accused of unlawfully concealing payments to his longtime lawyer and confidant, Michael Cohen, who allegedly used the funds to silence adult film actress Stormy Daniels regarding an alleged sexual encounter in the closing stages of the 2016 election campaign, reported AFP.
In March 2023, a New York grand jury indicted Trump over payments made to Stephanie Clifford, known as Stormy Daniels, with the ex-president facing 34 counts of falsifying business records. Trump vehemently denies the charges, asserting that the alleged encounters with Clifford and another individual, whose story he purportedly covered up, never occurred.
Additionally, Trump contends that he won't receive a fair trial in heavily Democratic New York. Despite the possibility of conviction, he maintains the right to appeal and would not be disqualified from running for, or potentially being elected as president in the upcoming November 5 election, as per AFP.
Trump faces a total of four criminal cases, with delays plaguing the three additional cases, including allegations of mishandling classified documents in Florida post-presidency and involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. However, in the New York trial, Trump has encountered less success in securing postponements, as Judge Merchan signals a firm approach.
Recently, the judge extended a gag order to prevent Trump from targeting trial participants, expanding it to include family members of the judge and lead prosecutor Alvin Bragg after Trump's criticisms on Truth Social.