NEW YORK, NY — Former President Donald Trump faced the first day of his criminal trial in Manhattan, bringing to light the unprecedented situation of a potential presidential candidate being tried in court on a regular basis. As the trial unfolds, here are the significant takeaways from “The People of the State of New York vs Donald Trump.”
The process of selecting a jury proved challenging, with over half of the initial 96 New Yorkers dismissed for expressing doubts regarding their ability to remain impartial. Among the remaining potential jurors, none revealed any prior connections to Trump or his former lawyer Michael Cohen, highlighting the difficulty in finding an unbiased jury for such a high-profile trial.
The defense team’s strategy focuses on prolonging the trial through objections and sidebars, aiming to preserve issues for potential appeals. This deliberate slow pace aligns with Trump’s broader legal tactics, which sought delays in initiating the trial successfully. With the trial expected to last six to eight weeks, the defense hopes to stall proceedings, especially with the impending 2024 election approaching.
Allegations surfaced that Trump breached a gag order by discussing case-related matters, prompting prosecutors to request sanctions against him. The judge scheduled a hearing to address these allegations, potentially impacting the proceedings as the trial progresses.
In a pivotal decision, the judge ruled in favor of allowing actress and model Karen McDougal to testify, despite disallowing the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape as evidence due to its prejudicial nature. Prosecutors can also introduce National Enquirer stories critical of Trump’s opponents. Additionally, other sexual assault allegations against Trump post-“Access Hollywood” tape disclosure cannot be broached during the trial, highlighting the intricate legal landscape surrounding the case.