Trump Hush Money Trial To Start March 25
Do you think the Manhattan DA should press charges against Trump?
Updated Feb. 15, 2024, 11:45 a.m. EST
- A New York judge ruled that Donald Trump's hush money trial will begin jury selection on Mar. 25, declining to push back the trial after urgings from Trump's defense lawyers.
- This will be the first of four criminal prosecutions against Trump to go to trial. It's expected to last up to six weeks, according to Judge Juan Manuel Merchan.
- Trump's lawyers are adamantly against this trial date, citing the presidential candidate's campaign schedule. Defense lawyer Todd Blanche said:
"It is completely election interference to say 'you are going to sit in this courtroom in Manhattan,' when there is no reason. What about his rights."
- Trump said:
"How can you run for election if you're sitting in a courthouse in Manhattan all day long? I'm supposed to be in South Carolina now."
- Observers have noted that Trump has repeatedly attended court proceedings where his presence was not required.
Updated April 5, 2023
"Our country is going to hell. The world is already laughing at us - for our open borders and the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan."
"The only crime that I have committed is to fearlessly defend our nation from those who seek to destroy it."
We are a nation in decline. And now these radical left lunatics want to interfere with our elections by using law enforcement. We can't let that happen."
Updated 4:00pm EST
- Trump was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree and pleaded not guilty to all counts.
- The charges are class E felonies, the lowest category carrying a maximum prison sentence of four years each. Falsifying business records under New York law is normally a misdemeanor, but prosecutors can escalate the charge if the accused falsified the records to commit or hide another crime.
- Trump did not have to post bail as new policies don't require it for most misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies.
- State Supreme Court Justice Juan M. Merchan adjourned the case until an unspecified date, likely months from now.
- Manhattan DA, Alvin L. Bragg, assures the public that his politics will not play a role in the case. He added:
"Manhattan is home to the country's most significant business market. We cannot allow New York businesses to manipulate their records to cover up criminal conduct."
Updated 2:00pm EST
- Trump turned himself in at the district attorney's office in Lower Manhattan, escorted by an 11-vehicle motorcade. He will be fingerprinted while in custody before he appears before the court to be formally arraigned.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene gave a brief speech across from the courthouse. Before being swarmed by conservative supporters and escorted out by NYPD, Greene said:
"We are here to peacefully protest against the persecution of an innocent man. Not just any innocent man, this is the former president of the United States of America."
- Rep. Jamaal Dowman (D-NY) made an appearance after the rally, saying:
"Do your freaking job, Marjorie Taylor Greene. You don't need to be in New York City talking that nonsense. Go back to your district."
Updated April 4, 2023, 10:30am EST
- Donald Trump is expected to appear today in a Manhattan courtroom and plead not guilty to the 30+ criminal charges he faces. New York City police officers are preparing for the high-profile event, putting fences around the courthouse and Trump Tower.
- Rep. George Santos (R-NY) arrived in New York for the pro-Trump demonstration at Collect Pond Park, outside the criminal court. City law enforcement created spaces for pro and anti-Trump protesters to stand away from each other.
- Journalists started lining up for the event more than 24 hours in advance in an attempt to report on an unprecedented moment in American history.
- Trump is not expected to be handcuffed or have a mugshot taken. Mugshots are meant to help authorities identify and find a defendant if they flee, which Trump is not expected to do. In New York state, law enforcement officials have discretion over whether or not to take a mugshot.
Updated April 3, 2023
- Trump is traveling from Florida to New York today as he prepares to appear in court tomorrow. U.S. Secret Service is conducting heavy security outside the lower Manhattan court building.
- One of Trump's advisors claims the former president has raised $7 million since the news of the indictment was released. Trump rallied his supporters, claiming the Manhattan DA's investigation was a "witch hunt." He asked the judge to block cameras in the courtroom after several major media outlets requested access to broadcast the hearing.
- As protests are being planned for tomorrow, police are heavily patrolling the streets outside the Trump Tower. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) is expected to headline a rally led by the New York Young Republican Club.
- New York Mayor Eric Adams spoke at a press conference this morning, encouraging all protesters to remain peaceful, including Rep. Greene. He said:
"While there may be some rabble-rousers thinking about coming to our city tomorrow, our message is clear and simple: control yourselves. New York City is our home, not a playground for your misplaced anger."
Updated March 31, 2023
- Trump is facing over 30 criminal charges related to alleged business and document fraud. The former president is scheduled to appear in Manhattan court next Tuesday, April 4.
- His lawyers say he will not be handcuffed for his court appearance and will plead not guilty to the charges. His defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, said the team plans to "aggressively" challenge the "legal viability" of the case.
Updated March 30, 2023
- A Manhattan grand jury voted Thursday to indict Former President Donald Trump for his role in paying hush money to pornographic film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election.
- While the exact charges are not known at this time, Trump is the first former or current president to be indicted.
- The indictment is currently sealed and will be released in the coming days.
- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is reaching out to Trump's lawyers to discuss the former president's surrender and arraignment.
- An indictment would not bar Trump from his current presidential bid, nor would it impact a possible second term in office. The Constitution makes no mention of a criminal record in its eligibility requirements for president.
- Michael Cohen, the key witness in the case, and a former lawyer for Trump, said in a statement:
“For the first time in our Country’s history, a President (current or former) of the United States has been indicted. I take no pride in issuing this statement and wish to also remind everyone of the presumption of innocence; as provided by the due process clause. However, I do take solace in validating the adage that no one is above the law; not even a former President. Today’s indictment is not the end of this chapter; but rather, just the beginning. Now that the charges have been filed, it is better for the case to let the indictment speak for itself. The two things I wish to say at this time is that accountability matters and I stand by my testimony and the evidence I have provided to DANY.”
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
Updated March 23, 2023
- NYC prosecutors said Trump created a false expectation of his indictment, leading his supporters to interfere with the investigation of his payment to Stormy Daniels. As the Manhattan district attorney's probe nears its final stages, Trump remains resistant, claiming he is "100% INNOCENT" on his social media site, Truth Social.
- The Manhattan grand jury will not meet on Trump's case when it convenes today, pushing the inquiry to next week.
- Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg accused Republicans in the House of launching "an unprecedented inquiry into a pending local prosecution." General counsel Leslie Dubeck said the GOP's prod for information "only came after Donald Trump created a false expectation that he would be arrested the next day and his lawyers reported urged [them] to intervene." Dubeck called their claims politically motivated and "unfounded."
- New York officials are still bracing for potential protests and unrest if the arrest occurs. So far this week, Trump supporters have been outnumbered by those in support of the indictment.
What’s the story?
- Former President Donald Trump expects to be arrested on Tuesday, March 21, for one of the five accusations against him currently being investigated.
- The latest indictment, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, examines whether Trump and his company broke state laws by giving Stephanie Clifford, the adult film star Stormy Daniels, hush money after a sexual encounter in 2006. Despite continuously denying the claim, his company paid Clifford $130,000 for her silence during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
- Former prosecutor Mark Pomerantz said Trump’s company falsely hid the payments as legal fees, which violates New York criminal law. Michael Cohen, Trump’s longtime personal attorney, pleaded guilty to federal charges in 2018 on the arranged payments that Trump told him to make. Trump could be held responsible for the false records.
What happens next?
- While the rumor that Trump will be arrested started with him, several media outlets reported that law enforcement in New York is making security preparations for the indictment but said the event would arrive “in the coming weeks.”
- It is ultimately up to Bragg whether or not to press charges against the former president. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the rumored arrest.
- If Bragg does press charges, coordination between Trump’s lawyers, the Secret Service, and local law officials would be necessary. The former president would likely appear in New York court for an arraignment, which would be complicated by public attention.
What would happen if Trump is arrested?
- Since posting about his arrest, Trump has encouraged his supporters to protest if it comes to fruition. He wrote on Truth Social, telling his followers to protest and “take our nation back,” as well as:
“We just can’t allow this anymore. They’re killing our nation as we sit back and watch.”
- The threats are being taken very seriously as many compare Trump’s words to those that led to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021. In response to the threat, Bragg wrote an email to his employees saying, "we do not tolerate attempts to intimidate our office or threaten the rule of law in New York.” Bragg continued to assure his staff that their safety was his first priority.
- Many Republicans are also attempting to discourage protests. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said he does not think people should protest the arrest and believes Trump feels the same way. However, McCarthy and other GOP leaders are defending Trump. McCarthy tweeted:
Here we go again — an outrageous abuse of power by a radical DA who lets violent criminals walk as he pursues political vengeance against President Trump.
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) March 18, 2023
I’m directing relevant committees to immediately investigate if federal funds are being used to subvert our democracy by… https://t.co/elpbh7LeWn
Do you think the Manhattan DA should press charges against Trump?
-Jamie Epstein & Josh Herman
The Latest
-
The Latest: Israel Attacks Gaza’s Largest Medical FacilityUpdated Mar. 18, 2024, 10:20 a.m. EST Israel's military issued a raid on Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital , the largest medical facility read more... Israel
-
Utah Bill Encourages Teachers To Carry FirearmsWhat’s the story? This week, Utah’s Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill that encourages teachers to carry a gun in their classrooms. read more... Public Safety
-
Trump and Biden Win 2024 Presidential NominationsUpdated March 13, 2024, 10:30 a.m. EST President Biden and former President Trump have secured the required delegates to be read more... Advocacy
-
Super Tuesday 2024 ResultsUpdated March 6, 2024, 10:15 a.m. EST As expected, the Super Tuesday results were dominated by Trump and Biden, increasing the read more... States
I am looking forward for the battle between the Manhattan DA, the Georgia DA, and several different DOJ prosecutors over who gets to have the first perp-walk of the trump in chains to his different trials.
I know that the trump is kind of looking forward to a perp-walk becuase he thinks he can use it to solicit more funds out of the poor fools that support him. That ay be true, but most of the electorate, I believe, are still in favor of the rule-of-law and equal justice for ask convicted criminals.
It will be interesting to see how the trump himself reacts when his illusion of wealth and power is finally seen by everyone as the optical illusion of smoke nad mirrors tha it actually is. I imagine that once a narcissist's shield of presumed wealth and power is taken away, they will have a major emotional reality to deal with.How will the trump deal with it?
If there are charges to be brought, of course they should bring charges.
However, let's not forget the "T is being arrested on Tuesday" was released to the press by T. He said that, not anyone else. And he's been raising money based on that comment.
Never one to pass up the opportunity to swindle folks out of their money!
This will bring the MAGA supporters out of the woodwork.
I believe the statue of limitations has expired BTW
I am amazed how long justice takes to happen in the US whenever it is someone rich and powerful like Donald Trump getting sued or prosecuted. I mean, how much more evidence would any prosecutor or judge need finally put the guy behind bars? He literally called for his supporters to illegally protest Congress to prevent him from leaving office! Come on, lawyers! Prosecuting Trump should have been a walk in the park, man!
When he is found guilty, all his presidential perks MUST BE RESCINDED. He is a traitor to our country. He tried to make us a dictatorship, for God's sake! We must not allow a traitor to receive a salary, Secret Service protection, free postage or whatever benefits a true president would have. On January 6th, and afterward with the stolen documents, he relinquished any rights to be treated as a former president would be - WITHOUT A DOUBT!
And isn't it wonderful to see how the Fox News hosts TRULY FEEL about their audience? Amazing how so many can continue to show their ignorance by still watching them.
All lies just to stop Trump from running again. We need to arrest the Biden's for accepting payments from China. It's all coming out and you socialists can't stop it
Trump can use his access to money and hire lawyers that can do many maneuvers to delay trials. However, not knowing guilt or innocence of a person would be the reason many will not vote for Trump to be president of the US.
A trial delay will give people further validation to vote against Trump as they will not know his quilt or innocence. He will forever be tainted and disrespected. Duh!
Only in America can you take campaign monies to illegally pay off a porn star, be charged for the crime, and become the Republican Presidential Candidate. (Forget ALL of the other crimes; this, alone, should make people question their choice...or at least stop them from funding his delinquent lifestyle.)
When Senator Katie Britt went on national television to give the Republican rebuttal to the to the state of the union message on prime time National TV and told Americans out right lies It shows an extremely deep problems in the republican party. Surely her speech was vetted.
Karla Jacinto The subject of the story has come forward and said
she never talked to Senator Britt one on one
None of this sad event took place in the United States. It was all in Mexico.
None of this has anything to do with a Mexican cartel rather with a family that was into sex trafficking children.
None of this took place during the Biden ministration in fact it was During Republican president George Bushes administration.
Why does this matter because Katie Britt laid out the story the Mexican cartels did this all in the United States under Joe Biden administration.
She lied about the whole thing and she never asked permission from this woman to use her story.
It's absolutely pathetic. Katie Britt should be censored by the Senate and should resign. It's gotten to the point when I hear a republican open their mouth I know a lie is on the way.
Only this lie was on national television and the rebuttal to the state of the union message - the state of the union message and that matters.
She offended this woman she stole her story from and twisted it to her own ends and she lied to this country. As I said I find it impossible to believe that a speech of this magnitude is not vetted before it was delivered as a out right lie to this country.
Fast track trump persecution. There is no way he should be on any public servant ballot, much less walking amongst us. The Senate needs to act. Clarence Thomas weighing in on anything at this point is a joke and insult to all Americans. He along with trump are continuing National Security Risks!
Trump needs a cardboard sign will lie, cheat and steel for money, he is give homeless people a bad name!
Today the Supreme Court made a ruling that goes against the corner stone of the Republican parties belief states rights. The Supreme Court in a boot licking decision for Donald Trump sided with him. It's time to abolish lifetime appointments to this kangaroo Supreme Court with crooked judges like Clarence Thomas who is been shown Time after Time to be on the teak. I've had enough of it six year appointment to the Supreme Court know more.
Trump is not above the law!
Another faults AI image supporting Trump put out by MAGA right wing extremists. MAGA are desperate to save their white King of dictator, Trump. Here is a AI generated black women?
Colorado ballot ruling-The Supreme Court's decisions on Monday will come on a day that is not scheduled on the court calendar as a ruling day
They were quite quick on this but dragged out immunity and then gave him an indefinite delay
scotus is defunct - zero credibility
Carville aptly renamed them Scrotus
term limits / bench 13
My last pay test was $9,500 operating 12 hours per week online. My buddy has been averaging 15,000 for months now and he works approximately 20 hours every week. I can not accept as true with how easy it become as soon as i tried it out.
This is what do __________ https://cashpay-47-7ka.pages.dev
Doesn't register with Trump the people hate him so much and what he's done to this country that they don't even want them in the ballads in their states.
You would think he would have half an ounce of self respect and self reflection to see how little America thinks of him. Lock this moron convicted business cheat and sex offender up.
https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2024/03/02/tuberville-immigrants-border-christian-nationalist-rigueur-nn-vpx.cnn?cid=ios_app
bozos lapdog devoid of any intelligence or humanity spewing hate
Welcome to a declining America
This is about distraction not justice.
Here's another one of trumps followers and one of trumps most beloved people.
Tommy Tuberville’s made the statement today that immigrants ‘know nothing about God’. I guess that would have included Mary, Joseph, Paul, John, Luke, Matthew etc. etc.Jesus.
As none of this group were American citizens. They would've been considered immigrants they come here. Tommy Blubberville is a pig. A complete idiot. The worst kind of pig. I think he's quite possibly a Nazi as well as one of today's Republican politicians.
Yet another disaster to lay at the feet of Donald Trump how is twisted US Congress and republican party into a pack of idiots.
House Republicans demand info from FBI about Alexander Smirnov, informant charged with lying about Bidens.
Why have they done because they now look like the pack of idiots that they truly are. I don't know how Republican Party became so stupid that someone as transparently an idiot as Donald Trump could have them screw themselves over and make themselves look like complete morons. But I guess that's who ran with and supported Donald Trump, complete morons.
Anyone want bet Kevin Monahan convicted murder is a Trumper? The coward that shot and killed Kaylin Gillis a little lost 20 year old girl. I feel he's just the kind of person that felt empowered by Trump. I truly believe that trumps behavior has led to all kinds of tragedies like this cross the country where people feel they can do anything they want and get away with it. Just like Trump. Lock Trump up. Put an end to this crazy time this country is going through.
https://youtu.be/HgwULbF33Tk?si=YvBlpc4njlTlIua7
see the difference?
Clarence Thomas ... recuse yourself!
the law clearly states so
I wonder it Trump is paying Putin hush money or just being blackmailed? You can see the sparkle in Putin eyes.
This goes into the wow I'm not surprised stack. Trump is apparently now trying to build and cheat his "friends" the people that built truth social for him out of their investment. What a shock! I don't understand why people don't realize how anyone that comes in contact with Trump gets cheated or ends up in prison. The man's apparently the biggest grifter that has ever lived. What the hell is wrong with the republican party.