Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 22, 2024, accompanied by his attorney Todd Blanche. He spoke to the media before the opening statements in his trial, which involves allegations of covering up hush money payments. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, making this his first criminal case to go to trial.
Oral arguments for the landmark case involving former President Donald Trump commenced on Monday in a Manhattan courtroom. The jurors will have the responsibility of determining whether the covert payments made to conceal an extramarital affair constitute a criminal offense.
The trial of a former U.S. president revolves around allegations that Trump falsified business records in order to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump denies any sexual relationship with Daniels.
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo informed the jurors on Monday that Trump’s payments to Daniels in 2016, which he reimbursed to his former lawyer Michael Cohen as legal expenses, were intended to “influence the presidential election,” as reported by journalists present at the courthouse.
According to journalists present, the argument put forth by Colangelo states that this case revolves around a criminal conspiracy and fraud. It is alleged that Donald Trump, the defendant, played a key role in orchestrating a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election. Furthermore, it is claimed that he attempted to conceal this conspiracy by repeatedly lying in his New York business records.
The New York court does not allow audio or video recording, but it does offer daily transcripts on its website.
Calling him ‘President Trump’
Defense attorney Todd Blanche passionately advocated for Trump, emphasizing that he deserves to be referred to as “President Trump” throughout the trial as a mark of respect and recognition for his accomplishments.
Blanche passionately defended President Trump’s innocence, firmly asserting that he had not committed any crimes. She criticized the Manhattan district attorney, stating that they should not have brought the case against him.
Blanche argued that President Trump had no involvement in any of the 34 documents, except for signing the checks.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has filed 34 felony charges against Trump, accusing him of falsifying business records in the first degree for each reimbursement payment to Cohen.
Blanche, in his address to the jurors, urged them to disregard the prosecution’s theory of election interference. He boldly stated, “I have a spoiler alert: there’s nothing wrong with attempting to influence an election; it’s simply a manifestation of democracy,” as reported by journalists present in the courtroom.
According to reporters, Trump left the courtroom for a short recess after opening statements, raising his fist and declining to answer any questions.
National Enquirer exec called
David Pecker, former chairman of the tabloid National Enquirer’s parent company, took the stand as the prosecution’s first witness on Monday. Pecker played a crucial role alongside Cohen in the scheme known as “catch and kill,” which aimed to uncover and buy damaging stories about Trump before the 2016 election.
The prosecution plans to summon Cohen, who has already served time in prison for his involvement in the payments, as well as Hope Hicks, a former press secretary for the Trump campaign.
The trial may extend beyond a month, potentially lasting up to two months. As a result, the presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee will be unable to hit the campaign trail for four days each week.
The New York proceeding also coincides with Trump’s immunity arguments, which are scheduled for Thursday before the U.S. Supreme Court.
According to the former president, he asserts that he has complete criminal immunity for his actions during his time in office. This includes immunity from the charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith, who alleges that the former president conspired to undermine the 2020 presidential election results, ultimately leading to the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
According to media reports, New York Judge Juan Merchan has denied Trump’s request to attend the Supreme Court arguments, stating that he must be present at his Manhattan trial.
In his early morning posts on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump placed blame on President Joe Biden for his ongoing trial, even though it is being conducted at the state level. Trump reiterated his belief that the trial is driven by political motives. In a passionate tone, he expressed his frustration that he will now be confined to a courtroom instead of being able to actively campaign for the presidency.
