The NY v Trump criminal trial enters its third week with prosecutors attempting to prove that former President Trump falsified business records to conceal a conspiracy to influence the 2016 election. Trump's defense denies the allegations, arguing his innocence.
The high-stakes criminal trial of former President Donald Trump continues in New York, with prosecutors presenting evidence and witnesses to support their allegations that he falsified business records to conceal a conspiracy to influence the 2016 election.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Trump has pleaded not guilty, denying any wrongdoing.
The prosecution has so far called three witnesses to the stand: David Pecker, former CEO of American Media Inc. and publisher of the National Enquirer; Rhona Graff, Trump's former executive assistant; and Gary Farro, a senior managing director at First Republic Bank in 2016.
Pecker's testimony focused on the alleged practice of "catch & kill," where negative stories about Trump were purchased and buried in an effort to protect his reputation. Prosecutors argue that this was done to influence the 2016 election by suppressing potentially damaging information.
Graff testified about her involvement in Trump's financial transactions, while Farro provided details about Trump's bank accounts and financial dealings.
The defense, led by Ronald Fischetti, has presented Trump as an innocent victim of political persecution. They argue that the prosecution's case is based on weak evidence and that the alleged falsification of business records does not constitute a crime.
Prosecutors must prove not only that Trump falsified the records, but also that he did so in furtherance of another crime: conspiracy to promote or prevent election. The prosecution alleges that this conspiracy involved concealing payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal to prevent them from speaking out about alleged affairs with Trump.
The trial has been marked by controversies, including a gag order imposed on Trump by Judge Juan Merchan. The prosecution has alleged that Trump violated the order at least 14 times and is asking the judge to fine him $1,000 per violation. Trump's attorneys argue that the order is a violation of his First Amendment rights.
The judge is expected to hold a hearing on the gag order and alleged violations on Thursday.
The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks, with prosecution and defense witnesses expected to be called. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump's political future and for the precedent it sets for holding former presidents accountable for their actions.
