Former President Donald Trump becomes the first ex US president to face a criminal jury.
On April 15, 2024, Donald Trump became the first former US president to face a criminal jury in a Manhattan court. The trial revolves around alleged payments to an adult film star, sparking debates about campaign finance violations and potential legal ramifications for Trump.
What Did Donald Trump Do?
Donald Trump faces accusations related to hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. It’s alleged that Trump, along with his former lawyer Michael Cohen, orchestrated a $130,000 payment to Daniels to silence her claims of an affair with Trump in 2006, shortly after he married Melania Trump.
The payment, initially routed through Cohen’s shell company, was later reimbursed by Trump and recorded as legal fees, potentially violating federal campaign finance laws by concealing funds intended to influence the election.
Trump Trial Updates
The trial began with jury selection and procedural discussions. Key witnesses, including Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen, are expected to testify, shedding light on the alleged events surrounding the hush money payments.
In a new development, Judge Merchan has ruled on the Access Hollywood tape. While the tape itself and Trump’s mention of it during a deposition won’t be presented as evidence, the judge has permitted the transcript to be shown to the jury. This ruling allows prosecutors to read out Trump’s full quote, including the controversial phrase “grab them by the p*ssy.”
Is Trump Going To Jail?
At the heart of the trial are charges of falsifying business records, with prosecutors arguing that Trump misrepresented the purpose of the payment to conceal its true nature. If convicted on all 34 counts, Trump could face a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
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Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges and recently addressed the trial on Instagram, maintaining that the payment was made to protect his family and not to influence the election.
Published by HOLR Magazine.
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