A trial date of March 25 has been slated for Donald Trump in the ‘hush money’ case in New York.
No Escape for Trump
Justice Juan Merchan made the call on Thursday, rejecting the motion to dismiss the criminal trial tied to Trump’s alleged affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels and the attempt to cover up a financial transaction before the 2016 election.
Trump’s Legal Marathon
This trial marks the beginning of what could be a series of legal hurdles for Trump, who’s currently leading the GOP pack for a potential rematch against President Joe Biden this November.
Dismissal Motion Denied
“In substance, defendants motions to dismiss have been denied,” declared Merchan, as reported by Politico’s Erica Orden.
No One Above the Law
Michael Cohen, Trump’s ex-lawyer and fixer, expressed his approval of Judge Merchan’s decision to Newsweek via email after the hearing, saying:
“Judge Merchan’s ruling was both sound and just. The ruling was exactly as I predicted. Everyone, former presidents and citizens alike must be held accountable for their actions, even if that’s not what they want. No one is above the law and that includes Donald J. Trump.”
The Man Behind the Case
Cohen played a pivotal role in the indictment of this case, having been sentenced to prison in December 2018 after admitting to campaign finance violations and perjury before Congress.
‘Injustice’ in Trump’s Case
In the courtroom, reporters noted Blanche’s objection to Judge Merchan’s decision, describing it as ‘a great injustice.’
Trial Heats Up
This remark came after Merchan mentioned his discussion with Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is managing the federal trial on Trump’s alleged criminal efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and the events leading to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Jury Picking Begins
Merchan, citing the complexity of the situation, announced March 25 for jury selection, as reported by Inner City Press’ Matthew Russell Lee.
A Lengthy Trial Ahead
Blanche connected this decision and Merchan’s conversation with Chutkan as the basis for the claimed ‘injustice,’ to which Merchan responded by allowing for an official record. Blanche countered, ‘It’s a completely different landscape now.’
Journalist Adam Klasfeld reports that Merchan anticipates the trial will span roughly six weeks.
Trump’s Worst Nightmare
Attorney Bradley Moss conveyed to Newsweek via email his perspective: “This is Trump’s worst nightmare: a trial he cannot delay any further,” attorney Bradley Moss told Newsweek via email. “One way or the other, he is going on trial next month and a jury of his peers will decide if he committed felonies. If he is convicted, the political ramifications are potentially massive.”
No Surprise
Further adding to this, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, former chief assistant district attorney of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, told Newsweek, “Judge Merchan told the parties almost a year ago that this was a date certain for trial.”
“This should not be a surprise to anyone.”
Less Attention on Manhattan Case
The Manhattan case against Trump has garnered less attention compared to his other legal battles, primarily because ‘it is not a strong case,’ according to legal analyst Cevallos.
Doubts Over Case Strength
This perspective is partly based on comments from Mark Pomerantz, a former prosecutor on the case, who criticized Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg for delaying Trump’s indictment.
Weakest Case
Cevallos argued, “A case like that, that even the prosecutors on the team are not sure about, that doesn’t seem to me the beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard.”
An Opportunity?
He believes this is the weakest of Trump’s four criminal cases and that Trump should prefer it to go first, as it offers a substantial chance of acquittal.
The Alleged $130,000 Payment
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg has charged Trump with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, including an alleged $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels to conceal their supposed affair. Trump has consistently denied the affair and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The charges date back about eight years, leading to the first of four indictments against Trump in 2023.
Election Hopes vs. Courtrooms:
As of now, Donald Trump remains the GOP frontrunner despite facing multiple legal challenges, including criminal indictments and trials, potentially impacting his political future and the upcoming 2024 presidential race.
Read Next: What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
Former President Donald Trump’s distinctive orange skin has captivated attention, sparking curiosity about its evolution from average pale over the years:
What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
21 of the Biggest Lies in American History
Dive into the shadows of American history as we explore 21 of its biggest lies that have left an indelible mark on the nation’s narrative:
21 of the Biggest Lies in American History
32 Things We Once Highly Respected but Are a Complete Joke Now
Discover the amusing downfall of once-respected entities in our changing world:
32 Things We Once Highly Respected but Are a Complete Joke Now
23 of Donald Trump’s Most Hilarious Moments as President
Explore the lighter side of Donald Trump’s presidency with 23 hilariously memorable moments that left the nation in stitches:
23 of Donald Trump’s Most Hilarious Moments as President
27 Things MAGA Movement Ruined Forever for People
How the MAGA movement left its mark on individuals and disrupted certain aspects of our everyday life forever:
