A trial that could decide the political future of former U.S. President Donald Trump began in New York, with Trump entering the courtroom with a serious expression, flanked by his lawyers. This marks the first time a former president has been criminally prosecuted in the United States.
The trial, taking place in the Manhattan Supreme Court, accuses Trump of falsifying accounting records to cover up a payment made to porn actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. Facing up to four years in prison, Trump could still be eligible to run for office and govern from prison under the U.S. Constitution if convicted.
Trump has labeled the trial as an attack on the United States and political persecution from his adversaries. The trial began with jury selection involving 12 citizens who will hear testimonies from both sides and ultimately decide Trump’s fate.
Trump’s lawyers are strategically recruiting potential jurors who are more likely to support Republicans. During the trial, Trump was seen speaking with his lawyers, occasionally smiling wryly as the proceedings unfolded. The charges against Trump involve allegations of falsifying company records to cover up payments made to Stormy Daniels during his presidency.
This trial is one of four criminal cases Trump faces, including charges of judicial interference in the Georgia elections and inflating his company’s assets. The trial is expected to last several weeks and could impact Trump’s campaign travel schedule leading up to the November elections
