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Former president Donald Trump’s hush money trial began Monday, marking the first time an ex-president has been tried on criminal charges.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee is charged with 34 felony counts related to his alleged efforts to conceal $130,000 in hush money payments made in 2016 to silence claims he had an extramarital affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors are expected to link the case to allegations of a “catch and kill” scheme to bury other negative stories about Trump before the election.
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Trump is represented by Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles, two experienced New York attorneys hand-picked by the former president for this particular case.
Blanche left a career at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft to start a firm and represent Trump, while Necheles has experience representing the Trump Organization in the past, according to The Washington Post.
Across from Trump’s team are Susan Hoffinger and Joshua Steinglass, chosen by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to lead the prosecution. Steinglass has experience prosecuting high-profile murder cases and will question witnesses and give closing arguments.
Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen, who served jail time on campaign finance charges related to his role in facilitating the payments, is expected to testify, as is Daniels. Judge Juan Merchan is presiding.
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On Thursday, Merchan announced that 12 jurors had been selected, and the case will move forward.
Follow along for live updates from the trial:
Judge Warns Trump: You Will Be Jailed If You Disrupt This Trial
Merchan read courtroom conduct instructions to Trump and asked him to affirm that he understood them, which Trump did.
“If you disrupt the proceedings in any way, the law permits the court to exclude you from court, commit you to jail, and continue the trial in your absence,” the judge said. Failing to show up will similarly result in an arrest warrant to be issued.
“If you disrupt the proceedings in any way, the law permits the court to exclude you from court, commit you to jail, and continue the trial in your absence,” the judge said. Failing to show up will similarly result in an arrest warrant to be issued.
Michael Avenatti Thinks Trump Will Be Convicted
Stormy Daniels’ former lawyer Michael Avenatti thinks a Trump conviction is in the cards, telling MSNBC that, though the case has problems, generally speaking criminal defendants don’t fare well.
“Trump will be convicted,” Avenatti said, speaking via phone from Terminal Island Prison in Los Angeles last week. “He’s a criminal defendant and in our society I don’t believe that criminal defendants generally get a fair shake … the percentage of convictions demonstrates that the deck is stacked decidedly against all criminal defendants.”
Avenatti is serving a 14-year prison sentence for tax and wire fraud, in addition to a consecutive five-year sentence for attempting to extort Nike for tens of millions of dollars and for defrauding Daniels.
Watch the full interview here.
“Trump will be convicted,” Avenatti said, speaking via phone from Terminal Island Prison in Los Angeles last week. “He’s a criminal defendant and in our society I don’t believe that criminal defendants generally get a fair shake … the percentage of convictions demonstrates that the deck is stacked decidedly against all criminal defendants.”
Avenatti is serving a 14-year prison sentence for tax and wire fraud, in addition to a consecutive five-year sentence for attempting to extort Nike for tens of millions of dollars and for defrauding Daniels.
Watch the full interview here.
Finally, Merchan Gives Details On How Jury Selection Will Work
The judge remarks on the fact that most juror questionnaires in his court are comprised of around 15 questions, but the questionnaire for this trial contains 42 items. By the time potential jurors get to the questioning phase, “there really shouldn’t be that much left” to find out about them, the judge said.
First round questioning may last up to 30 minutes, and second round questioning may last up to 20 minutes. Selecting a jury is expected to take several days; Merchan said about 500 jurors are currently waiting in the courthouse.
Trump, meanwhile, is flipping through a document on his table. His laptop screen is dark.
First round questioning may last up to 30 minutes, and second round questioning may last up to 20 minutes. Selecting a jury is expected to take several days; Merchan said about 500 jurors are currently waiting in the courthouse.
Trump, meanwhile, is flipping through a document on his table. His laptop screen is dark.
Judge Says Attack Tweets Are Admissible
Merchan said prosecutors can bring social media posts attacking witnesses like Cohen into evidence if the defense opens the door by discrediting them — which seems pretty likely to happen.
Prosecutors Want To Describe Trump’s Attacks On Witnesses Over The Years
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass argued that his side “should be permitted to introduce evidence to offset the misleading suggestion that the witnesses” — like Cohen and Daniels — “are benefitting by providing their testimony.” Rather, expecting to testify in this case “has hurt these witnesses,” he said.
Merchan said he would rule on the issue later.
Merchan said he would rule on the issue later.
Shares In Trump Media Are Tanking
While Trump appears in court this morning, shares in “Trump Media & Technology Group” are tanking after the company announced plans to issue 21.5 million additional shares of stock.
Shares in the beleaguered social media company fell 16% on the news, which would dilute the value of current shares. The stock also traded down nearly 20% over the last week, and has lost more than 60% of its value from a late-March peak.
Truth Social generated $4.1 million in revenue in 2023 — and lost $58 million.
Shares in the beleaguered social media company fell 16% on the news, which would dilute the value of current shares. The stock also traded down nearly 20% over the last week, and has lost more than 60% of its value from a late-March peak.
Truth Social generated $4.1 million in revenue in 2023 — and lost $58 million.
Judge Will Not Allow Other Allegations Of Trump Sexual Assault
Merchan denied the government’s request to tell jurors about other allegations of sexual assault that have been lodged against Trump, calling it all “complete hearsay.”
Judge Will Not Allow 'Access Hollywood' Tape Itself To Be Played
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass addressed the infamous 2005 “Access Hollywood” tape, in which Trump makes vulgar comments about women, asking the judge to reconsider his stance on it. Steinglass said he also had evidence in the form of an email exchange between Trump’s team and Washington Post editors requesting comment from then–Trump spokesperson Hope Hicks on the transcript.
The Washington Post’s October 2016 report on the tape meant that Trump’s presidential debate preparation was “interrupted and eclipsed by the need to do damage control” to emphasize that Trump was just engaging in “locker room talk,” Steinglass said.
He added that “Daniels was living proof that the defendant wasn’t all talk."
Merchan said he stood by his decision that the tape itself was not admissible because it “is just so prejudicial,” but the email exchange is relevant.
“What I didn’t want was for jurors to hear this in Trump’s voice,” Merchan said. Prosecutors can describe the tape and speak about Trump's specific language.
The Washington Post’s October 2016 report on the tape meant that Trump’s presidential debate preparation was “interrupted and eclipsed by the need to do damage control” to emphasize that Trump was just engaging in “locker room talk,” Steinglass said.
He added that “Daniels was living proof that the defendant wasn’t all talk."
Merchan said he stood by his decision that the tape itself was not admissible because it “is just so prejudicial,” but the email exchange is relevant.
“What I didn’t want was for jurors to hear this in Trump’s voice,” Merchan said. Prosecutors can describe the tape and speak about Trump's specific language.
Trump Attorney Dismisses Proposed Evidence As 'Salacious With No Value'
Because jury selection has filled the courtroom to capacity, a small group of reporters, called a pool, is relaying details to various outlets from inside the room.
From the pool just now:
[Prosecutor Joshua] Steinglass is asking to introduce evidence about Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who has claimed to have an affair with Trump, specifically that Trump believed that her story would be damaging to his campaign and was involved in securing the rights to the story. But [Trump's attorney Todd] Blanche calls it "literally just salacious with no value." Steinglass angrily protests; Merchan says his previous ruling on McDougal stands but that he will not permit, at this point, that Trump's wife was pregnant with a child at the time.
From the pool just now:
[Prosecutor Joshua] Steinglass is asking to introduce evidence about Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who has claimed to have an affair with Trump, specifically that Trump believed that her story would be damaging to his campaign and was involved in securing the rights to the story. But [Trump's attorney Todd] Blanche calls it "literally just salacious with no value." Steinglass angrily protests; Merchan says his previous ruling on McDougal stands but that he will not permit, at this point, that Trump's wife was pregnant with a child at the time.
Biden's Schedule
Against the backdrop of Trump's trial, President Joe Biden is set to host Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shyaa Al-Sudani for talks amid tensions in the Middle East.
Later this afternoon, Biden will hold a bilateral meeting with Petr Fiala, the prime minister of the Czech Republic.
Later this afternoon, Biden will hold a bilateral meeting with Petr Fiala, the prime minister of the Czech Republic.
Judge Allows Evidence Of Trump's Collusion With David Pecker
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass asked to introduce evidence that Trump and David Pecker — whose company American Media Inc. published the National Enquirer tabloid when Trump first ran for president — conspired to “control the flow of information that reached the electorate.” Pecker allegedly agreed to boost positive stories about Trump and negative stories about his opponents, like Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. Merchan said he will allow the evidence to be presented at trial.
More Context On The Hush Money Case
The main question at the center of the hush money trial is whether Trump’s scheme to keep porn star Stormy Daniels quiet in the lead-up to the 2016 election was, in fact, a crime for which the former president should be punished.
You can read more on the case here.
You can read more on the case here.
Judge Denies Trump’s Latest Motion For Recusal
Merchan once again denied a motion from Trump’s attorneys arguing the judge should recuse himself from the trial due to past comments he made, including the opinion that Merchan did not like when politicians used Twitter.
The judge also addressed Trump’s complaint about his daughter working for a firm whose clients include Democratic candidates, saying, "to say that these claims are attenuated is an understatement."
The judge also addressed Trump’s complaint about his daughter working for a firm whose clients include Democratic candidates, saying, "to say that these claims are attenuated is an understatement."
Judge Merchan Is Seated And Proceedings Begin
Merchan arrived just before 10 a.m. and kicked off proceedings. Trump is looking at the judge as he speaks.
Angela Weiss/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
See The First Picture Of Trump Inside The Courtroom
The first picture of Trump inside the courtroom has been released, showing him sitting with his attorneys while listening to the proceedings.
Trump Huddles To Speak With Attorney As Alvin Bragg Enters
The former president gestured with his attorney Todd Blanche, who leaned in to speak with him for several minutes while waiting for proceedings to begin. Seated in the same row with Trump are attorneys Emil Rove and Susan Necheles.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has now entered the courtroom.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has now entered the courtroom.
House Judiciary GOP Blasts Bragg For Prosecuting Trump
Trump's allies in Congress are seeking to discredit Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
The GOP arm of the House Judiciary Committee shared a video on X, formerly Twitter, claiming Bragg is "spending all of his time attacking President Trump rather than cleaning up his own streets."
However, experts and city officials cited by The Associated Press note that crime across New York City is considerably down compared to the 1990s and while a small uptick was recorded in 2022, those numbers have since fallen back down.
The GOP arm of the House Judiciary Committee shared a video on X, formerly Twitter, claiming Bragg is "spending all of his time attacking President Trump rather than cleaning up his own streets."
However, experts and city officials cited by The Associated Press note that crime across New York City is considerably down compared to the 1990s and while a small uptick was recorded in 2022, those numbers have since fallen back down.
Where's Melania? Not At The Trial
Melania Trump is not attending Trump's trial today and has no plans to do so, according to CNN sources.
The former first lady has made very few public appearances since leaving the White House. Occasionally messages will appear on her social media accounts hawking NFTs or other items.
Former aide Stephanie Grisham said last week that the news of Trump's affair with Stormy Daniels was "humiliating" for Melania Trump, who did not take it "lightly."
"And I can guarantee you that she's not happy right now and that he's quite worried about that," Grisham said. She said the former first lady would likely push her husband to take the stand in the trial.
The former first lady has made very few public appearances since leaving the White House. Occasionally messages will appear on her social media accounts hawking NFTs or other items.
Former aide Stephanie Grisham said last week that the news of Trump's affair with Stormy Daniels was "humiliating" for Melania Trump, who did not take it "lightly."
"And I can guarantee you that she's not happy right now and that he's quite worried about that," Grisham said. She said the former first lady would likely push her husband to take the stand in the trial.
Trump Is Seated In The Courtroom
A stony-faced Trump is now seated at a table in the front of Judge Merchan’s courtroom with his attorneys. Proceedings are scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Trump: This Is 'Political Persecution'
Trump briefly spoke to reporters as he entered the courthouse, repeating some of the false claims and attacks he's made while calling the trial "an assault on America" and "political persecution."
"This is really an attack on a political opponent, that's all it is," he said. "So I'm very honored to be here."
"This is really an attack on a political opponent, that's all it is," he said. "So I'm very honored to be here."
Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images
'No One Is Above The Law'
Protesters holding a banner reading "NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW" stand outside the Manhattan courthouse ahead of jury selection in Trump's first criminal trial.
Stefan Jeremiah via Associated Press
Trump Waves At Supporters Upon Arrival
Trump, accompanied by his legal team, waves at his supporters gathered outside the courtroom before entering the building.
Trump Says 'Justice Will Be Done' On Election Day
Trump posted a video early Monday on his Truth Social account, where he can be heard saying "justice will be done" on Nov. 5, 2024, the date of the November general election.
"We will take back our country and we will make America great again," he said in the video, which featured clips of his journey to the courthouse.
Trump also claimed he is being wrongly prosecuted.
"They wanna silence me because I will never let them silence you," he said.
"We will take back our country and we will make America great again," he said in the video, which featured clips of his journey to the courthouse.
Trump also claimed he is being wrongly prosecuted.
"They wanna silence me because I will never let them silence you," he said.
Trump Has Arrrived
Trump has arrived at the Manhattan courthouse.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Trump Supporters Gather Outside The Court
A person holding flags in support of Trump's 2024 reelection bid speaks to the media outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse.
Donald Trump Is On The Way To The Courthouse
The former president departed Trump Tower and is currently on his way to the Manhattan courthouse, where jury selection is expected to start later this morning.
Trump waved his hand briefly before entering his car.
Trump waved his hand briefly before entering his car.
Raskin Halts Trump Train With 'Very Serious' Reminder On Hush Money Trial
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) declared Trump has a “very serious case” ahead of him and Americans are likewise tuned in as the former president prepares for the start of his hush money trial on Monday.
Raskin appeared on Sunday’s edition of MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki” where he pointed to MAGA land dismissing the nature of the criminal trial.
Read more here:
Raskin appeared on Sunday’s edition of MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki” where he pointed to MAGA land dismissing the nature of the criminal trial.
Read more here:
How Lawyers On Both Sides Will Eliminate Potential Jurors
Dozens, possibly hundreds, of lucky (or unlucky) Manhattanites are expected to be assessed as possible jurors. The first round of elimination will be self-inflicted — Judge Merchan will ask the potential jurors to raise their hands if they do not think they can be fair and impartial in this case, and will take them at their word to be dismissed. Whoever is left will have to respond to a list of 42 questions, which include inquiries into their media diets, whether they’ve ever been to a Trump rally and other opinions about the former president. Merchan has already determined that the questionnaire will not include queries about the potential jurors’ party affiliation or whether they voted for Trump.
Each side — attorneys for the defense and prosecution — will be allowed to challenge a juror “for cause” and allow Merchan to arbitrate, although party affiliation cannot be used as such a reason. Each side will also be allowed 10 juror strikes they can wield for any reason.
The 12 jurors will be anonymous in this case for reasons of security, but lawyers for each side will be given their names so they can search the internet and social media for potential conflicts.
Read the juror questionnaire (starting at Page 11) here.
Each side — attorneys for the defense and prosecution — will be allowed to challenge a juror “for cause” and allow Merchan to arbitrate, although party affiliation cannot be used as such a reason. Each side will also be allowed 10 juror strikes they can wield for any reason.
The 12 jurors will be anonymous in this case for reasons of security, but lawyers for each side will be given their names so they can search the internet and social media for potential conflicts.
Read the juror questionnaire (starting at Page 11) here.
What It's Like Outside The Courthouse
What To Expect
Jury selection will begin on Monday in the first of former President Donald Trump’s four pending criminal cases, kicking off the search for a panel of New Yorkers to decide whether the way Trump handled a hush money payment to cover up an alleged affair constituted a felony.
It will be an extraordinary moment in U.S. history, the first time any former president has faced criminal trial and possible jail time.
Read more here:
It will be an extraordinary moment in U.S. history, the first time any former president has faced criminal trial and possible jail time.
Read more here:
Trump Trial Begins Monday With Jury Selection
Trump's first criminal trial begins Monday, April 15, with jury selection.
The former president is facing 34 criminal counts.
Read more on last year's indictment:
The former president is facing 34 criminal counts.
Read more on last year's indictment: