Former President Donald Trump is currently on trial in Manhattan for his alleged involvement in a hush money scheme aimed at silencing his alleged mistresses before the 2016 election. The charges against him include 34 counts related to falsifying New York business records to conceal damaging information and unlawful activities from American voters both before and after the 2016 election.
During the trial, prosecutors have called Michael Cohen, a key witness, to the stand. They have indicated that they may wrap up their case by the end of the week. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump falsified business records with the intent to commit or conceal another crime, without the need to prove that the crime was actually committed. The prosecution's argument revolves around potential violations of federal and state election laws or state tax laws related to the handling of reimbursements to Cohen.
The crux of the case lies in the $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels as hush money to prevent her from disclosing her alleged affair with Trump in 2006 before the 2016 election. The alleged reimbursement payment from Trump to Cohen is central to the charges against the former president.
Trump's defense team has not revealed their strategy in detail but has hinted at plans to challenge the credibility of Cohen and Daniels. They aim to portray them as dishonest individuals driven by personal vendettas and financial motives.
