Opening statements began Monday in the historic criminal trial of former US President Donald Trump for covering up a hush money payment. Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo accused Trump in New York court of a “criminal conspiracy and cover-up.” The goal was “to influence the 2016 presidential election.” Trump ‘orchestrated a criminal plot’ to ‘corrupt’ the election.
The prosecutor spoke first in the opening statements, followed by the defense. This is the first criminal trial in history against a former American president.
Hush money paid to ex-porn actress covered up?
The expected renewed presidential candidate of the American Republicans is accused in the proceedings of having covered up a hush payment of $ 130,000 (about 122,000 euros) to former porn actress Stormy Daniels by falsifying business documents. The payment silenced Stormy Daniels about an alleged sex affair she said she had with Trump in 2006.
Prosecutors allege that the payment to the porn star and the falsification of business documents were intended to keep information potentially damaging to Trump from the electorate. In the indictment, the real estate entrepreneur is accused of 34 counts of forgery.
The former American president pleads not guilty
Trump has pleaded not guilty. He has also denied any sexual contact with Stormy Daniels. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence, although legal experts say this is unlikely. They are more likely to receive a fine.
The trial started a week ago on Monday. The twelve jurors and six alternate jurors were selected in the first week of the trial.
Trump denounces the hush money lawsuit — as well as the other criminal charges filed against him — as a politically motivated maneuver to prevent his return to the White House. On Monday, upon arriving at the Manhattan courthouse, he again described the trial as “election interference” and a “witch hunt.”
Trump has been criminally charged in three other cases
The former American president is facing criminal charges in three other cases. Two of these cases involve his massive attempts to retroactively overturn his 2020 election defeat against current President Joe Biden, and another involves taking classified government documents to his private home in the US state of Florida.
It is unclear when trials on these three other charges could begin. Trump wants to face Biden again in the November elections.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
