What's happened
Former President Donald Trump faces a criminal trial in New York over hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Witness testimonies, including that of former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, have highlighted a 'catch and kill' scheme to suppress damaging information about Trump during the 2016 election.
Why it matters
The trial sheds light on alleged attempts to influence the 2016 election through hush money payments, with potential implications for Trump's political future and legal standing. The testimonies and legal battles provide insight into the inner workings of Trump's campaign and potential legal violations.
What the papers say
The Independent focuses on Trump's return to the campaign trail amid the trial, highlighting his complaints about the court proceedings. Al Jazeera provides detailed coverage of witness testimonies, emphasizing the prosecution's efforts to prove a criminal conspiracy. Business Insider UK delves into the opening arguments, outlining the prosecution's case of a 'criminal conspiracy' involving falsified business records.
How we got here
The trial stems from allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Prosecutors aim to prove that Trump engaged in a 'catch and kill' scheme to influence the election outcome. The trial marks a historic moment as the first criminal case against a former US president.
Common question
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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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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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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