NEW YORK: Prosecutors accused former US President Donald Trump of engaging in “criminal conspiracy and a coverup” as opening arguments began on Monday in the first ever criminal trial of a former US president. The trial is related to Trump’s alleged payment of hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.
The historic criminal trial of former US President Donald Trump commenced in a Manhattan courtroom. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo laid out the prosecution’s case, alleging that Trump falsified business records to facilitate a $130,000 payment to Daniels in an attempt to silence her about an extramarital encounter, ultimately aiming to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.
“This case is about a criminal conspiracy and a coverup,” Colangelo told the jury of New Yorkers, emphasizing Trump’s orchestration of a scheme to corrupt the electoral process.
Trump, seated at the defense table, maintained a stoic demeanor as the prosecutor delivered his opening statement. Prior to the court session, Trump denounced the trial as “election interference” designed to thwart his potential White House bid in 2024.
“It is a very, very sad day in America,” Trump remarked to reporters, expressing frustration at being unable to campaign due to the trial’s proceedings. He characterized the trial as a “witch hunt” emanating from Washington.
The trial marks the first instance of a former US president facing criminal charges, posing significant legal risks to Trump ahead of a potential rematch with President Joe Biden in the 2024 election.
Key witnesses for the prosecution are expected to include Stormy Daniels and Trump’s former fixer Michael Cohen. The trial, taking place in a Manhattan courtroom, will last for four days a week over a potentially six-to-eight-week period.
Security measures were heightened following a recent unrelated incident outside the courthouse, where a man set himself on fire. Judge Juan Merchan, overseeing the trial, has imposed a partial gag order on Trump to prevent him from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, and court staff.
Trump’s legal team has vigorously contested the charges, with Trump himself criticizing the trial’s proceedings as unfair. Despite the challenges, Judge Merchan has maintained a strict schedule for the trial, aiming to ensure its expeditious conclusion.
