Starting today, former President Trump will leave the presidential campaign trail to stand trial in Manhattan on 34 criminal charges. Trump has relentlessly tried to delay the trial but ran out of stops. Today’s trial marks the first time that a former or current U.S. president has faced a criminal trial.
The case: Trump is accused of falsifying business records related to reimbursements for his then-fixer Michael Cohen.
What prosecutors allege: In 2016, Cohen paid porn actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 in 2016 to keep her alleged sexual encounter with Trump quiet to avoid a political scandal right before the election. Trump then reimbursed Cohen. Trump has pleaded not guilty.
How serious are the charges?: Most legal experts agree that of Trump’s four pending criminal cases, this case is the least serious. If convicted, the charges have a maximum jailtime sentence of 1 ½ years to four years. But Trump would be a first-time offender, so he could be sentenced to no jail time.
This is important — is sending a hush money payment illegal?: No. But what is illegal is falsifying business records to cover it up, according to Forbes.
What’s happening today?: Jury selection begins.
NEWS FROM THE COURTROOM: Judge Juan Merchan declined to recuse himself from the trial after a demand from Trump’s lawyers.
Answering your logistical questions:
- How long will the trial last?: The Manhattan trial could last for six or more weeks. It is expected to run four days a week (all weekdays except for Wednesdays).
- Will Trump be there?: Trump is required to attend the trial.
- Can we watch?: There will not be a video camera livestreaming the trial, but a few still photographers will be allowed to quickly take a few photos each morning after Trump enters.
- How will we know the trial events?: The courtroom is tightly packed with journalists and law clerks.
- Will we hear from Trump?: Just like the recent civil fraud trial, there will be cameras set up outside the courtroom. Trump can likely speak when he enters and exits. But there are legal restrictions on what Trump can say about jurors, witnesses and the judge’s family because of a gag order.
The Hill is constantly updating this live blog with highlights and updates from the courtroom.
Follow The Hill’s Zach Schonfeld, who is in New York covering the case. And follow Ella Lee, who is covering the case for The Hill from Washington, D.C.
