# Donald Trump's Hush Money Trial Begins: A Historic Legal Battle
## Introduction
Former President **Donald Trump** is making history as the first former U.S. president to face trial for criminal charges. The trial, which begins today in a Manhattan court, centers around a potential sex scandal cover-up that occurred just days before the **2016 presidential election**. Let's delve into the details of this high-stakes legal battle.
## The Allegations
Prosecutors allege that Trump falsified business records to hide the reimbursement of **hush money payments** made to influence the election outcome. The payments were related to adult film star **Stormy Daniels**, who claimed to have had an affair with Trump. The case hinges on whether Trump intentionally concealed these payments from public scrutiny.
## Key Points
Here are some key points about the trial:
1. **Jury Selection**: The trial kicks off with jury selection, a process that could take up to **two weeks** due to the large pool of prospective jurors⁴. The panel of **12 New Yorkers** and alternates will ultimately decide Trump's fate.
2. **Charges**: Trump faces **34 felony counts** of falsifying business records in the first degree⁴. If convicted, he could be sentenced to probation or a maximum of **1 1/3 to 4 years** on each count in state prison. Notably, a president has no authority to pardon state crimes.
3. **Witnesses**: The trial will feature key witnesses, including Stormy Daniels herself and Trump's former lawyer, **Michael Cohen**². Their testimonies will play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
4. **Manhattan District Attorney**: This case is a major test for **Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg**, a Democrat. It may be the only one of Trump's four criminal cases to face a jury before the next election⁴.
## The Stakes
For Trump, the stakes are undeniably high. As he trades the campaign trail for the courtroom, he must confront the possibility of conviction and its consequences. His showmanship won't sway Judge **Juan Merchan**, who oversees the trial with a no-nonsense approach. The former president's presence in court will be a daily occurrence for the next two months, as the trial unfolds four days a week⁴.
## Conclusion
As the legal drama unfolds, the world watches closely. Whether Trump is found guilty or innocent, this trial marks a pivotal moment in American history—a moment when a former president faces the full weight of the justice system. Stay tuned for live updates as the trial progresses¹²³!
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Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/15/2024
(1) Live updates: Trump New York hush money criminal trial - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-hush-money-trial-04-15-24/index.html.
(2) Trump on trial: Live updates with former president in court for hush .... https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/live-blog/trump-hush-money-trial-stormy-daniels-michael-cohen-live-updates-rcna145934.
(3) Donald Trump hush money trial live updates: Judge Juan Merchan rejects call for recusal. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/donald-trump-hush-money-trial-live-updates-judge-juan-merchan-rejects-call-for-recusal/ar-BB1lEk0b.
(4) Donald Trump loses Hail Mary call for judge's recusal ahead of New York hush money trial. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/donald-trump-loses-hail-mary-call-for-judges-recusal-ahead-of-new-york-hush-money-trial/ar-BB1lEVBD.
(5) Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony counts in hush money case - BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65182264.