America is about to witness the first-ever trial of a former president.
Donald Trump will be facing trial in New York City starting from March 25. He has been accused of making illegal payments to his former mistress, pornography actress Stormy Daniels.
In a brief and intense hearing at the New York State Supreme Court in Lower Manhattan, Judge Juan M. Merchan dismissed the motion filed by Trump’s legal team to dismiss the case. Trump’s team has referred to the charges brought by New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg as a “collection of politically motivated confusing accusations.”
The judge was not interested in entertaining such arguments.
This means that the trial will proceed, marking a historic moment: Trump will have to face 36 criminal charges that could potentially earn him a maximum prison sentence of 136 years.
The plaintiffs accuse Trump of paying $130,000 to silence adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign. It was reported that Daniels had threatened to go public with their affair, which took place in Lake Tahoe, California in the summer of 2006.
Trump had employed his lawyer at the time, Michael Cohen to make the payment. However, it was disguised as a business expense in their records. Normally, this would only be considered a misdemeanor, but Bragg has elevated the charges to felonies through legal maneuvers. Legal experts have expressed doubts about these tactics. On Trump’s part, he is furious and believes that he is being politically persecuted, calling it a “witch hunt” and an interference in the election.
The trial involving the New York porn star is one of four criminal proceedings against Trump. In total, he faces 91 charges, with a maximum potential sentence of 700 years in prison.
? Originally, the series of trials was supposed to start in Washington, where special prosecutor Jack Smith, who is 54 years old, accuses Trump of attempting a “coup” after his defeat in the 2020 election. However, the Supreme Court must first decide on the extent of Trump’s legal immunity as a former president.
? In Florida, there is a trial pending regarding the scandal involving secret files, as Trump stored confidential White House documents in his Mar-a-Lago resort, some of which were found in the bathroom. The trial was originally scheduled to begin in June, but Trump’s team is requesting a postponement.
? Lastly, in the state of Georgia, there is a fourth indictment against Trump for attempted election interference, which is being overshadowed by a sex scandal. This situation could potentially derail the entire case. The prosecuting attorney, Fani Willis, who is 53 years old, was involved in a sexual affair with one of her special investigators, raising the question whether she can continue as the lead prosecutor.
It is quite ironic that the case which was considered to be the weakest in New York, according to numerous experts, has now turned out to be the most perilous for Trump…
