On April 15, the trial of former President Donald Trump began in Manhattan Criminal Court. The jury was tasked with deciding whether Trump is guilty of paying hush money to porn stars during his 2016 election campaign.
The indictment issued by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accused Trump of spending $130,000 on Stormy Daniels and $30,000 on Dino Sajudin to hide unfavorable information. Another $150,000 was allegedly transferred to Karen McDougal. The payments were made through Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, and were supported by David Pecker, the former president and CEO of American Media Inc.
Pecker and Cohen are expected to provide crucial testimony in court to help the jury determine Trump’s guilt. Pecker testified that he met with Trump and Cohen in 2015 to discuss handling negative stories in the media. National Enquirer, owned by AMI, reportedly paid McDougal for her story about an alleged affair with Trump in 2006 and 2007.
After Pecker’s testimony, Cohen is scheduled to appear in court and present potentially surprising evidence. He admitted to financial violations during the election campaign, claiming that Trump directed him to pay Daniels for her silence. Cohen’s testimony is considered crucial in the case as he is described as the “only person standing between Mr. Trump and prison.”
Daniels, Sajudin, and McDougal may also be called as witnesses in the trial. Trump Corporation CFO Allen Weisselberg, National Enquirer editor-in-chief Dylan Howard, and others are potential witnesses as well. Trump himself may choose to testify although it comes with certain risks as he will be required to swear under oath and face tough questions