Trump’s Legal Battle: Historic Trial and Political Fallout
Watan-A state of anticipation prevails as the world watches the commencement of hearings for former US President Donald Trump, in his first criminal trial as a former US president.
Trump faces a historic criminal trial in New York on Tuesday, where prosecutors accuse him of repeatedly violating a restraining order issued to prevent him from intimidating witnesses.
The hearing comes a day after the jury heard opening statements in the case known as the “hush money” trial, according to Foxnews.
Details of Trump’s Case
The case revolves around allegations of commercial fraud preceding Trump’s victory in the 2016 elections, marking the first-ever criminal trial for a former US president.
Tuesday’s session focuses on statements made by the Republican regarding witnesses Michael Cohen – his former personal assistant – and Stormy Daniels, a pornographic film star.
Accusations Against Trump
Trump is accused of paying off Daniels to conceal a previous relationship they had about 10 years before the 2016 election date, as well as paying Cohen around $130,000 to negotiate to prevent the publication of stories in the press related to the former president’s relationship with Daniels.
Prosecutors argue that the money Trump provided to Cohen and Daniels constitutes bribes aimed at influencing the elections, deceiving voters at the time, and silencing those who had something to say about Trump’s behavior, which constitutes a violation of the law and electoral corruption.
Unique Precedent
This case is the first of four cases Trump faces, which will have hearings before the upcoming presidential elections in November.
Trump faces 34 criminal charges, and if convicted, he is expected to face a four-year prison sentence.
Trump is subject to a partial publication ban to prevent him from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, and court staff publicly.
However, this did not stop him from posting on his social media platform “Truth Social” about Cohen and Daniels, whom he described as “corrupt bags that cost the United States dearly with their lies and distortions,” according to his description.
Defense Denial
In contrast, Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanch, denied that the former president is guilty, saying that attempting to influence elections is called “democracy.”
He said that there is no wrongdoing in attempting to influence elections, but the prosecution has made it seem like a “mistake.”
Many legal experts view this case as the least significant among Trump’s trials, based on facts that have been known to everyone since 2018. They also say that a conviction, if issued, will not prevent him from assuming the presidency if he wins the elections.
Trump faces three other criminal charges related to his efforts to overturn his defeat and overturn the outcome of the 2020 elections, as well as his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House in 2021.
