Former President Trump’s trial in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation into alleged hush-money payments ahead of the 2016 presidential election is set to begin Monday with jury selection. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all counts in this high-profile case.
The trial, taking place in New York City, marks the first of the election year for the 2024 presumptive Republican presidential nominee. The charges against Trump stem from 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree related to alleged hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign.
Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan is presiding over the trial, despite Trump’s legal team filing a motion requesting his recusal due to his daughter’s Democrat-affiliated political work and alleged hostility towards the former president.
The DA, Alvin Bragg, alleges that Trump engaged in a ‘catch and kill’ scheme to hide damaging information from the public during the election, leading to falsified business records to conceal criminal activity. The indictment accuses Trump of orchestrating payments to bury negative stories and boost his electoral prospects.
Despite previous investigations by federal prosecutors and the Federal Election Commission not resulting in charges, Bragg has pursued the case against Trump. The trial was delayed due to new evidence provided by the Department of Justice, but it is now moving forward.
Trump’s legal team has attempted to delay or dismiss the trial, arguing for presidential immunity, but the judge has denied these requests. The trial is the first of four indictments facing Trump, with the former president pleading not guilty in all cases.
As the trial unfolds, the spotlight will be on the legal proceedings and the implications for Trump’s political future. Stay tuned for updates on this high-stakes trial.
