A New York criminal court has set March 25 as the trial date for former President Donald Trump. The charges against him involve alleged falsification of business records to conceal a $130,000 payment made to an adult film actress just before the 2016 election, as ruled by a judge on Thursday.
This unprecedented trial marks the first time a former U.S. president will face such legal proceedings. The indictment, initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, accuses Trump of breaching state law by devising a plan to silence Stephanie Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels, regarding their purported sexual affair.
Maintaining his innocence, the 77-year-old Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment. The charges also claim that he instructed his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to reimburse the payment using funds from his company, the Trump Organization, and then manipulated the company’s financial records to depict it as a legitimate expense.
Despite efforts from Trump’s legal team to dismiss the charges, arguing political motives and expired statutes of limitations, Justice Juan Merchan denied their request and scheduled the trial for March 25. This timing, less than nine months before the upcoming presidential election on November 5, adds a significant political dimension. Trump aims to challenge President Joe Biden, who secured victory over him in 2020.
Clad in a dark suit and red tie, Trump reiterated his assertions of innocence and victimization to reporters outside the courtroom.
“The only reason they’re doing this is because I’m running for president and gaining momentum,” Trump stated. “This is nothing short of a witch hunt, a hoax, and an utter disgrace.”
Outside the courthouse, a small group of protesters voiced their opposition to Trump’s presence, holding signs decrying authoritarianism in the United States.
Anticipated to span several weeks, the trial is poised to include testimony from Cohen, who previously pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal campaign finance violations related to his involvement in the hush money scheme. Cohen, once a staunch supporter of Trump, has since become one of his most vocal critics and authored a damning exposé on his former employer.
The trial is expected to delve into Trump’s personal and business dealings, which have been under scrutiny from multiple investigative bodies and litigants. Trump is concurrently facing criminal charges in Georgia, Washington, and Florida, encompassing allegations of election interference, mishandling of classified information, and involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. He has entered a plea of not guilty in all instances.
Of all his legal battles, the New York case poses the gravest threat to Trump’s political aspirations. A conviction could carry a prison term of up to 15 years and disqualify him from holding public office in the state. Additionally, it could jeopardize his prospects of securing the Republican nomination, which he currently leads after victories in the initial four state contests. While opinion polls indicate Trump maintains a significant advantage over his sole challenger, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, his legal entanglements could erode this advantage, particularly among independent and moderate voters disillusioned by his divisive rhetoric and persistent controversies.
“Trump’s tactic of portraying himself as a victim may resonate with his core supporters, but it risks alienating the broader electorate, who perceive him as a liability and a source of distraction,” remarked Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. “The more he dominates headlines with legal woes, the less attention he can dedicate to substantive issues relevant to voters.”