In an unprecedented event in U.S. history, former President Donald Trump is set to stand trial on criminal charges. This case, which revolves around alleged hush money payments to an adult film actress prior to the 2016 election, could potentially impact Trump’s political future, including his potential return to the Oval Office.
The trial is expected to further polarize the American public, already divided along ideological lines. The outcome could potentially label the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election as a convicted felon, depending on the jury’s verdict.
Trump is accused of falsifying business records to conceal information that could have negatively impacted his campaign, an alleged early instance of election interference. While the case is rooted in personal conduct, it could have significant political implications, especially considering Trump’s other pending trials related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and hoarding of classified documents.
Trump, like any other defendant, is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the airing of evidence. However, his increasing agitation at the prospect of the trial and the potential humiliation it represents for a former world leader is becoming evident.
The U.S., unlike some less stable democracies, is unaccustomed to seeing its former leaders on trial. This case sets a new precedent, potentially making it less of a leap for future presidents to face legal investigations. Trump has already warned of using his potential second term for “retribution” against his foes, including the Biden family.
Trump has made attempts to delegitimize the case, the judge, and the legal system itself, partly to hedge against any future guilty verdicts. He has criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat leading the prosecution, as politically biased. The trial, expected to last six weeks to two months, is bound to be a national spectacle.
The moment Trump steps into the courtroom will be a dramatic one, and a test for potential jurors. The task of finding jurors who lack strong opinions and prejudices against a defendant and the legal system, who can serve for a prolonged period and will make judgements solely based on the law and the evidence, is complex in any case. With Trump as the accused, legal experts predict that jury selection could take a week or more.
Trump is charged with falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in an alleged attempt to interfere in the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied having an affair with Daniels. His supporters claim that he’s a victim of selective and politicized justice.
Trump’s attorneys have not yet revealed their defense strategy. However, it’s almost certain they will attack the credibility and personal testimony of both Cohen and Daniels. Cohen will face criticism for being an unreliable witness after spending time in prison for tax offenses, lying to Congress, and other offenses.