Trump is headed to the first of his expected criminal trials on April 15. He’s facing felony counts related to his payments to Stephanie Clifford.
The first of former President Donald Trump’s criminal trials is set to begin on Monday after New York prosecutors accused him of falsifying business records related to an alleged affair with adult performer Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels.
The trial is occurring on the heels of a $175 million bond payment the former president made in relation to his loss in a civil fraud lawsuit, also in New York.
The impending trial raises the prospect that he could face additional penalties, including a criminal conviction, before the 2024 election.
Experts have offered differing views regarding the eventual verdict, but the New York Clifford case is generally considered the least consequential of his four criminal cases. President Trump is currently facing potential prison time in his Washington and Georgia election-related cases, and his Florida documents case, each of which appear to have uncertain trial dates, some potentially after the election.
The four trials also raise legal issues that could influence how future presidents and candidates make decisions. New York Judge Juan Merchan just added yet another gag order to the list of others President Trump has encountered in Washington and his civil trial, prompting questions about free speech for leading candidates facing trial.
As in his other cases, President Trump has attempted to assert some form of presidential immunity from the charges he faces. On April 3, Judge Merchan rejected an immunity-related request from President Trump, stating that he waited too long to assert it. Regardless, the trial’s subject matter and proximity to President Trump’s immunity appeal at the Supreme Court will likely heighten political tensions and ignite debate over presidential power.
The Charges
Roughly a year before the scheduled trial date, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought a 34-count indictment charging President Trump with falsifying business records. They relate to alleged hush money payments made to Ms. Clifford ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
By Sam Dorman
