Judge Sets Date for Criminal Trial of Ex-President Trump on Hush-Money Charges
In a historic ruling, a judge has set a date for the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump on hush-money charges. The trial is scheduled to begin on March 25 and will mark the first time an ex-president faces criminal prosecution. Trump, who currently leads the Republican field of 2024 candidates for the White House, watched from a defense table in Manhattan criminal court as Judge Juan Merchan made the announcement. The trial is expected to last approximately six weeks.
Prosecutors allege that Trump falsified business records during the 2016 political campaign to conceal a past sexual liaison with adult-film star Stormy Daniels. The payments made to Daniels were classified as legal fees when they were, in fact, campaign expenses. The charges against Trump include 34 counts of falsifying business records, and if convicted, he could face consequences under New York state law.
Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, argued that the defense needs more time to prepare and that the trial would unfairly interfere with Trump’s political aspirations. Blanche also pointed out that Trump is scheduled for trial in Florida in late May on charges of illegally retaining classified documents. However, the judge in that case has indicated a potential delay to allow more time for reviewing highly classified evidence.
Among the four separate indictments Trump faces, the New York case has been viewed as the least weighty by legal experts. It involves conduct from eight years ago that federal prosecutors previously investigated but declined to charge. Despite objections from Trump’s lawyers, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case appears to be the first one heading to trial.
The jury selection process was discussed during the courtroom proceedings, with considerations about how to ensure a fair trial given the unprecedented nature of the case and Trump’s polarizing public image. While there is a slim chance that the New York trial could take a back seat to a separate federal case in Washington, D.C., involving allegations of conspiring to obstruct the 2020 election results, the judge made it clear that the trial would proceed as scheduled.
Outside the courtroom, Trump expressed his frustration with the trial, vowing to campaign in the evenings while attending court during the day. He criticized the trial’s length and called it unfair. Despite the trial potentially lasting for months, Trump remains confident in his chances, stating, “Maybe we won’t have to campaign so hard because the other side is incompetent.”
A conviction in the New York case would not bar Trump from running for or holding office. However, it would be a conviction that he could not erase or pardon as it falls under state law. Trump currently holds a significant lead among Republican candidates for the 2024 presidential nomination.
As the trial approaches, both the prosecution and defense are preparing their strategies. Potential jurors will face questions about their political affiliations and biases. The defense wants to inquire about political bumper stickers or signs, past political donations, and even reading materials related to Trump’s case. The judge expressed concerns about going too far with such questioning but acknowledged the need to address potential biases.
With the trial set to begin on March 25, Trump will spend the next two months focused on the legal proceedings rather than on the campaign trail. His defense team strenuously objected to this delay, arguing that it should not happen in the country. However, Judge Merchan stood firm in his decision and concluded the hearing by saying, “See you on March 25th.”
As Trump left the courtroom, there was a loud applause from someone in the audience. It remains unclear whether they were applauding Trump or responding to his defense attorney’s remarks. A court officer quickly called for quiet, bringing an end to the dramatic courtroom scene.
The trial of a former president is an extraordinary event in American history. As the date approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom, awaiting the outcome of this significant moment in the nation’s legal and political landscape.
