Donald Trump condemns New York trial as ‘assault on America’
Former U.S. President Trump’s historic trial begins with strict courtroom controls and a comprehensive jury vetting process as he faces significant legal and political repercussions
Former President Donald Trump decried his New York criminal trial as an “assault on America” and labeled it “political persecution” as he arrived at a Manhattan court on Monday.
This trial is unprecedented, as it marks the first time a former U.S. president has been accused in a criminal case.
Upon arriving at the Manhattan courthouse, Trump vehemently stated, “Nothing like this has ever happened before. There is no case.” In the courtroom, Trump maintained a stern expression, escorted by his legal team, as he walked past the wooden benches that filled the room.
What is Trump accused of?
The 77-year-old former president is accused of falsifying business records to hide an alleged sexual encounter with adult film actress Stormy Daniels, aiming to prevent upheaval during the last moments of his 2016 campaign.
This case is just one of four criminal cases Trump faces, which include allegations of attempting to subvert the 2020 election results and obstructing the transfer of power to Joe Biden. Despite the serious nature of the charges, legal experts are skeptical about the likelihood of a conviction resulting in prison time.
However, the potential of Trump becoming a convicted felon adds an unpredictable element to the upcoming Nov. 5 election, where he aims to defeat Biden and reclaim the presidency.
Running on a platform of “vengeance” and portraying his legal troubles as political persecution, Trump continues to rally his base with dramatic rhetoric. He even released a campaign video featuring presidential imagery, asserting, “they want to take away my freedom because I will never let them take away your freedoms.”
In a bold move, Trump announced last week his intention to testify, a decision that could introduce significant risks for his defense.
The charges themselves focus on complex financial laws, centered around alleged cover-ups of payments made by Trump’s former attorney and fixer, Michael Cohen, to Daniels. These payments were intended to silence Daniels about her supposed encounter with Trump during the critical final weeks of the 2016 campaign.
The jury selection, overseen by Judge Juan Merchan, is set to be a meticulous process, potentially lasting several days. The jury pool will be vetted with a questionnaire that includes checks for affiliations with far-right groups, reflecting the sensitive nature of the trial.
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Trump’s gag order
As the trial progresses under Merchan’s strict supervision, Trump faces an expanded gag order designed to prevent him from publicly attacking those involved in the trial. This measure now includes the judge’s family members and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The expansion of the order came after Trump lashed out at Merchan and his daughter in a series of posts.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump launched a series of tirades against what he calls the “Biden Manhattan Witch Hunt Case.” He protested, “I want my VOICE back. This Crooked Judge has GAGGED me. Unconstitutional! The other side can talk about me, but I am not allowed to talk about them! Rigged Trial!”
Media presence was notably high, although access inside the courtroom was limited. The courtroom’s overflow area was packed with journalists keen on covering every detail of this significant legal battle.
Expected to last several weeks, the trial will likely see testimonies from key figures such as Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, and possibly Stormy Daniels herself. The proceedings are set to dissect the intricacies of the alleged hush money transactions and explore their impact on the 2016 presidential election.
If convicted, Trump could face a substantial prison term. Each count carries a potential four-year sentence, though with New York’s maximum sentencing cap of 20 years for these offenses, the actual term could be less, depending on the judge’s discretion.
Source: Newsroom
