Justice: Trump trial continues with opening arguments

The opening statements in the first criminal trial against a former US president in the history of the United States are to be held today in New York. In the case surrounding hush money payments to a porn star, Donald Trump is accused of, among other things, falsifying business documents.

The 77-year-old, who is seeking re-election as US president in November, has pleaded not guilty. The process began last Monday. First, a twelve-member jury had to be selected, which was difficult.

One woman was worried that her identity would become public. One man had doubts about the credibility of some of his statements. In addition, dozens of candidates stated from the outset that they did not feel they were in a position to come to a fair verdict.

In the end, twelve jurors were found – seven men and five women. There are also five women and one man as substitute jurors. They all live in Manhattan and work, among other things, as teachers, bank employees, lawyers, physical therapists or at a clothing company. Some of them are married and have children. However, their identities remain secret in accordance with strict court rules.

In any case, Trump can run for president

According to the court, the process could take up to eight weeks. If convicted, the 77-year-old faces a prison sentence of several years, which could also be suspended. Trump would also have the opportunity to appeal. Even after a possible conviction – and even in the event of a prison sentence – Trump is likely to run in the presidential election.

The background to the case is that in 2016, shortly before his election as president, Trump had $130,000 in hush money paid to the porn actress Stormy Daniels. She had claimed to have had sex with him. Trump denies an affair, but does not deny that money was flowed. Non-disclosure agreements between two parties are not inherently illegal. However, Trump is accused of illegally recording the payments, trying to conceal them illegally and thereby trying to cover up other violations of the law.

More criminal trials in preparation

Three more criminal trials against Trump are currently being prepared in the USA, including for attempted election fraud and taking secret government documents. There are also numerous civil lawsuits ongoing. The ex-president and his legal team are trying to block the proceedings by all means and have already been partially successful.

The hush money trial involves less serious allegations than the other cases. But according to experts, it is the process that could be completed first. Trump denies all allegations against him and portrays himself as a victim of a politically motivated justice system.