David Pecker, chair and CEO of American Media, speaks at the Shape and Men's Fitness Super Bowl Party in New York City on Jan. 31, 2014. (REUTERS/Marion Curtis/File Photo)
The trial wrapped up earlier than initially anticipated Monday, after a juror said they had a toothache requiring a dental appointment that afternoon.
The trial marks the first time a former president has stood trial on criminal charges. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. He pleaded not guilty to each charge.
NY VS. TRUMP: JUDGE DELIVERS JURY INSTRUCTIONS AS OPENING STATEMENTS KICK OFF
The case focuses on Trump’s former personal attorney Michael Cohen paying former pornographic actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 to allegedly quiet her claims of an alleged extramarital affair she had with the then-real estate tycoon in 2006. Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels.
Daniels reportedly agreed to grant exclusive rights to the National Enquirer on her claims of an affair with Trump, with Pecker allegedly contacting Cohen to "purchase" Daniels' silence on the alleged affair.
A court sketch depicts the third day of former President Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Christine Cornell)
Trump arrived at the Manhattan courthouse Monday morning after 12 jurors and six alternates were seated and sworn in on the panel last week.
NY VS TRUMP: THE EVIDENCE PROSECUTORS CAN PRESENT IF FORMER PRESIDENT TESTIFIES
Judge Juan Merchan read the jury their rules and instructions Monday, explaining to the panel that jurors must operate fairly, that the defense team is not required to prove Trump's innocence and that the 45th president is also not required to testify. Merchan reiterated to the jurors that they cannot discuss the case with anyone, adding that they also cannot visit any places where a crime allegedly unfolded, and that they cannot research the case.
Former President Trump arrives at court on the first day of opening arguments in his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on Monday, April 22, 2024. (Victor J. Blue/The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
Trump briefly addressed the media earlier Monday morning, when he slammed the case as a "Biden" trial motivated "for the purposes of hurting the opponent of the worst president in the history of our country."
"Nothing like this has ever happened before," he said in Lower Manhattan. "This is political persecution. ... It's a case that should have never been brought."
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"This is an assault on America and that's why I'm very proud to be here," Trump added. "This is really an attack on a political opponent."
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