Donald Trump's Criminal Trial Begins: 'Assault on America' vs. 'Political Persecution'
Former US President Donald Trump made a court appearance on Monday in Manhattan for a criminal trial, the first for a former president in American history.
Trump listened intently during the largely technical proceedings, which focused on what evidence could be admitted.
The case, taking place in a historic Art Deco courthouse, could have significant consequences for Trump and the country.
Trump's legal team and the prosecution were in a tussle over the evidence, but Trump himself remained mostly quiet.
Trump appeared in court wearing his signature red tie and suit for the start of his trial over payments made to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign.
He had previously accused the judge, Mark J.
Cogan, of being corrupt on his Truth Social platform after Cogan declined to recuse himself.
Trump maintained a defiant demeanor during the proceedings, which are expected to last up to two months.
The trial centers around payments made to Daniels to keep her from speaking publicly about an alleged affair with Trump.
Trump has labeled the proceedings as "political persecution," but he did not disrupt the trial unlike in his civil fraud trial, which resulted in a $355 million civil penalty that he is currently appealing.
Trump's bid to unseat President Biden in November faces a potential time crunch due to the lengthy jury selection process in his ongoing impeachment trial.
With over 500 potential jurors, up to 100 will be present in court at a time.
Trump frequently consulted with his lawyers during the proceedings, expressing frustration with the prosecution's comments.