Donald Trump is the first former US president to face criminal charges. The 2024 Republican presumptive presidential nominee faces the threat of prison if he is convicted. The New York case alleges Trump falsified the financial transaction behind the $130,000 hush money paid to the adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump has pleaded not guilty.
Here’s what you need to know about the case and what’s happening today:
15 April at a glance
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The hush-money trial is due to begin on Monday in a Manhattan courtroom and is expected to last about six weeks. The New York judge Juan Merchan is overseeing the trial.
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Donald Trump is expected to attend the first hearing in New York today, however he won’t he won’t be testifying or anything like that. He’s likely to speak to the media outside the courthouse about the case, although he is under a gag order to prevent him from making public statements about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and the family members Merchan and the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg – though not about those two men themselves.
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Jury selection is expected to begin on Monday.
Trump hush-money trial status: Trump pleaded not guilty; trial scheduled for 15 April 2024.
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Charges: 34 felony charges of falsifying business records.
Hush money case summary: The case involves a hush-money scheme during the 2016 presidential election. Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen paid $130,000 to the adult film star Stormy Daniels to quash her story about having an extramarital affair with the former president. Trump has denied the affair took place. Prosecutors accuse the former president of illegally reimbursing Cohen for the hush-money payment by falsely classifying the transaction, executed by the Trump Organization, as legal expenses.
Verdict before election? Likely
What has happened in the case so far:
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
