The first criminal trial of former President Donald Trump has officially begun. The opening statements were delivered by both the prosecution and Trump’s defense team, and the first witness, a former National Enquirer publisher, was called on Monday.
Prosecution’s Theory: Trump’s Scheme to Influence 2016 Election
The prosecution presented their theory of the case, alleging that Trump’s reimbursement of hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels was part of a larger conspiracy to sway the 2016 presidential election by concealing damaging information about Trump. Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo told jurors, “The defendant Donald Trump orchestrated a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election, then he covered up that criminal conspiracy by lying in his New York business records over and over and over again.”
Defense’s Theory: Trump is Innocent
Trump’s defense team countered the prosecution’s allegations by asserting Trump’s innocence. They argued that Trump was not involved in the creation of the 34 business records he is charged with falsifying. Defense attorney Todd Blanche stated, “President Trump had nothing to do, had nothing to do with the invoice, with the check being generated, or with the entry on the ledger.”
First Witness: Former AMI CEO David Pecker
David Pecker, former CEO of American Media Inc. (AMI), was the first witness called by the prosecution. Pecker is expected to testify about his role in orchestrating two nondisclosure agreements for negative stories about Trump, a practice referred to as “catch and kill”.
Trump’s Civil Fraud Trial
As the criminal trial commenced, Trump’s legal team was simultaneously arguing over the legitimacy of the $175 million bond Trump posted to appeal the judgment in his civil fraud trial. Trump’s attorneys reached an agreement with the New York attorney general’s office on the terms of that $175 million bond.
Gag Order Hearing
Before the trial resumes on Tuesday, Judge Juan Merchan will hold a hearing on the district attorney’s motion to sanction Trump for violating the judge’s gag order barring discussion of witnesses. The district attorney’s office has requested the judge to fine Trump $1,000 for each violation of the gag order.