Trump's Unprecedented Hush Money Trial Moves to Opening Statements

The hush-money trial against former US President Donald Trump began on Monday in New York with opening arguments. Prosecutors allege that Trump and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, conspired to falsify business records regarding a $130,000 payment made to adult entertainer Stormy Daniels to suppress allegations of an extramarital affair during the 2016 presidential campaign. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo stated that this case is about a "criminal conspiracy and a cover-up," while defense lawyers maintain Trump's innocence, describing him as "cloaked in innocence."

A grand jury trial is ongoing against former President Donald Trump, with a jury of twelve members (seven men and five women) and six alternates selected last week. The trial focuses on allegations that Trump falsified his company's internal records to hide the true nature of reimbursement payments to his former fixer and lawyer Michael Cohen. Witnesses for the prosecution are expected to include Stormy Daniels, a porn performer, and Michael Cohen himself. The identities of the jurors are being kept secret for their protection due to security concerns following an unrelated incident where a man set himself on fire outside the courthouse. Key figures in the trial include Judge Juan Manuel Merchan and prosecutors who have previously worked with them. Trump is the first American president, whether former or sitting, to face a criminal trial.