(PatriotSpotlight.org) – Former US President Donald Trump still faces a landmark legal battle, after a New York Court refused to dismiss his ongoing hush-money trial. The trial, scheduled to take place from March, will mark the inaugural criminal trial of a former American president, and comes as Trump remains the frontrunner for the GOP Presidential nomination.
During a court appearance in his home city on Thursday 15 February, the 77-year-old attempted to shift the timetable of the trial, claiming that the planned timelines could damage his presidential ambitions ahead of this November’s election, and the ongoing Republican primaries. Judge Juan Merchan disagreed, stressing that the trial would still go ahead in just over one month’s time, from 25th March. Trump made no secret of his chagrin at the decision, labeling Judge Merchant’s response as a “disgrace,” and restating his worries it could impact his political campaigning.
The trial will focus on allegations that Trump oversaw a hush-money cover-up following an alleged affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels, while he was married to his current wife Melania Trump. Daniels claims the former President shelled out $130,000 to her back in 2016, as he had hoped she would keep their rumored relationship under wraps despite his high-profile Presidential bid. Trump has repeatedly denied Daniels’ claims. Trump has been charged with 34 counts of fraud over the issue, including claims he falsified business documents in a bid to hide his funneling of funds towards Daniels. He is also facing four other criminal cases in various states.
As the unprecedented trial looms, Trump’s erstwhile lawyer and public critic Michael Cohen is set to appear as a key witness. Cohen has already expressed confidence that Trump will be convicted on all charges, despite his current legal team’s attempts to dismiss the case. Cohen claims that he organized a hush-money scheme during his tenure as Trump’s attorney, and says the level of evidence against Trump will likely make the trial swift. There are concerns that the high-profile case will prove divisive given the former President’s worldwide fame and divisive public image. Prosecutors say they will vet jurors regarding their views on the 2020 presidential election and any links with extremist groups.
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