Devendra Kumar
The historic trial of former US President Donald Trump began on Monday, with prosecutors accusing him of orchestrating a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors claim that Trump orchestrated a scheme to corrupt the election and covered it up by lying in his New York business records. According to prosecutor Matthew Colangelo, Trump’s alleged payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels to prevent her claims of a sexual encounter with him from emerging into the public was a key part of the scheme. Colangelo also discussed arrangements made to pay a former Playboy model $150,000 to suppress her claims of a nearly year-long affair with Trump.
Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, disputed the notion that Trump agreed to the payout to Daniels to safeguard his campaign, arguing instead that the payments were veiled reimbursements meant to cover up Cohen’s payments to Daniels. Blanche claimed that Trump was simply fighting back to protect his family, reputation, and brand, and that this was not a crime. The attorney also attacked the integrity of the one-time Trump confidant who is now the government’s star witness, claiming that the case should not have been brought.
Trump has denied having a sexual encounter with Daniels and has repeatedly criticized the justice system, claiming it is weaponized against him. Despite this, Trump has sought to turn his criminal defendant status into an asset for his campaign, fundraising off his legal jeopardy. The trial is a significant departure from Trump’s usual routine, as he will be required to spend his days in a courtroom rather than on the campaign trail. However, Trump has managed to turn his legal woes into a fundraising opportunity, using his criminal defendant status to drum up support and donations from his supporters.
The case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg revisits a chapter from Trump’s history when his celebrity past collided with his political ambitions. If convicted, Trump would face up to four years in prison, although it is unclear if the judge would ultimately sentence him to time behind bars. A conviction would not prevent Trump from running for president again, but it would mean that he could not attempt to pardon himself if found guilty.