Trump to Face Criminal Trial in Hush Money Case Starting March 25

Former President Donald Trump's request to dismiss criminal charges in New York related to hush money payments was denied by Judge Juan Merchan on February 15, 2023. Trump had argued that he would not receive a fair trial due to political motivations. This is one of four criminal cases against Trump as he campaigns for the White House again. Trump repeated his claims of political motivation and accused President Biden of being behind the prosecution. The hush-money trial, which involves payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal regarding extramarital affairs during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, is scheduled to start with jury selection on March 25, making it the first criminal trial of a former US president. Other cases against Trump involve allegations of plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 election and illegally hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate. Trump denies any wrongdoing in all cases.