What's happened
Opening statements have begun in the hush money trial against former President Donald Trump, accused of falsifying business records to conceal payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The trial is significant as the first criminal trial against a former US president, with potential implications for the 2024 presidential election.
Why it matters
The trial against Donald Trump for hush money payments to Stormy Daniels is a historic event, being the first criminal trial against a former US president. The outcome could have significant implications for Trump's political future and the upcoming presidential election.
What the papers say
The prosecution in the trial has laid out allegations of criminal conspiracy and cover-up against Trump, while his defense team maintains his innocence. The differing perspectives highlight the contentious nature of the trial and the potential impact on Trump's reputation and political career.
How we got here
The trial stems from a $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels by Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to prevent her from speaking about an alleged affair with Trump before the 2016 election. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in relation to this payment.
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
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.