What's happened
Former President Donald Trump faces a criminal trial in Manhattan over hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. The trial, involving 34 felony counts, alleges Trump falsified business records to conceal payments to keep his alleged affairs secret during the 2016 election. Trump, the first American president to face a criminal trial, denies the charges. The trial unfolds amidst a presidential race where Trump is expected to be the Republican nominee against Joe Biden.
Why it matters
The start of Donald Trump's criminal trial is a historic moment in US politics, as he becomes the first former president to face such charges. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump's political future and the broader landscape of American politics. The case also raises questions about campaign finance laws and the accountability of public officials for their actions.
What the papers say
The Guardian emphasizes the significance of Trump's trial as a landmark event in US history, highlighting the allegations of hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Al Jazeera provides a detailed overview of the case, focusing on the key witnesses and the allegations of illegal payments made by Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. Axios offers insights into the charges against Trump and his denial of any wrongdoing, setting the stage for a high-profile legal battle.
How we got here
The criminal trial against Donald Trump stems from allegations of hush-money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal to conceal extramarital affairs during the 2016 election. Prosecutors claim Trump falsified business records to cover up these payments, which were funneled through his former lawyer, Michael Cohen. The trial marks a significant moment in US legal and political history, raising questions about transparency, campaign finance laws, and the accountability of public figures.
Common question
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What are the allegations against Donald Trump in his first criminal trial?
Former President Donald Trump is facing his first criminal trial in New York over hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The allegations against Trump involve illegal payments made to silence claims of extramarital encounters during the 2016 presidential campaign, which prosecutors argue violated campaign finance laws.
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What is Trump accused of in the hush-money trial?
Former President Donald Trump is facing a criminal trial over hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. Learn more about the allegations and key details of this historic trial.
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What are the charges against Donald Trump in his Manhattan criminal trial?
Former President Donald Trump is facing a criminal trial in Manhattan over hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. The trial involves 34 felony counts and alleges that Trump falsified business records to conceal payments to keep his alleged affairs secret during the 2016 election. This trial marks a significant moment in American political history, with implications for Trump's future and broader political landscape.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Michael Dean Cohen is an American disbarred lawyer who served as an attorney for U.S. President Donald Trump from 2006–2018. Cohen was a vice-president of The Trump Organization, and the personal counsel to Trump, and was often described by media as Tru
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Stephanie Clifford, known as Stormy Daniels, is an American pornographic actress, stripper, writer and director. She has won numerous industry awards, and is a member of the NightMoves, AVN and XRCO Halls of Fame.
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Alvin Leonard Bragg Jr. is an American lawyer and politician from the state of New York who previously served as Chief Deputy Attorney General in New York State Office of Attorney General.
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Karen McDougal is an American model and actress. She is known for her appearances in Playboy magazine as Playmate of the Month for December 1997 and Playmate of the Year of 1998.