Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, is set to face a criminal trial on Monday in New York. The 77-year-old has been accused of falsifying business records to cover up an alleged sexual encounter with adult film actress Stormy Daniels, potentially shielding his 2016 election campaign from adverse publicity.
A New York grand jury indicted Trump in March 2023 on charges related to payments made to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. The former president faces 34 counts of falsifying business records.
The trial poses a unique scenario as it involves a presidential aspirant, running against incumbent Joe Biden, in the upcoming US election. A conviction could lead to jail time, introducing an unprecedented level of uncertainty to an already unpredictable election.
Trump maintains his innocence, claiming the charges are politically motivated and part of an election strategy to hinder his campaign.
“These charges are entirely fabricated in order to interfere in the election,” the Trump campaign stated.
Trump also contends that he will not receive a fair trial in heavily Democratic New York.
Despite the charges, the real estate magnate and former reality TV star is leveraging the situation as a campaign boost, portraying himself as a victim and using the controversy to mobilize supporters and raise funds.
Even if convicted, Trump would be able to appeal and would not be barred from continuing his campaign or potentially being elected president on November 5.
“This finding might influence how voters cast their ballots this November,” said University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias.
In New York, where Trump has long been a prominent figure as an entrepreneur, celebrity, and now criminal defendant, there is little sentiment on the matter.
