The historic trial of former US President Donald Trump began on Monday in a New York courtroom, where he faced charges of falsifying business records. Trump is the first US president to stand trial on criminal charges and it marks the start of a six-week-long process presided over by Judge Juan Merchan.
This trial is just one of four separate criminal trials Trump is facing, while also gearing up for a potential 2024 presidential bid. Prosecutors are seeking to convict him on 34 felony charges related to hush-money payments made to Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged affair just before the 2016 election.
As Trump arrived at court, he called the trial an “assault on America” and a “political persecution”, dismissing the charges as a witch hunt. He accused the judge and prosecutors of bias and corruption, while framing the trial as interference in the upcoming election.
Judge Merchan rejected a request from Trump’s defense team to recuse himself from the trial, amid attempts to delay the proceedings. Prosecutors sought to penalize Trump for violating a court gag order and also pushed for the playing of the Access Hollywood tape, which was denied.
Jury selection began with over 500 prospective jurors being evaluated, though more than half were dismissed for indicating bias. Meanwhile, outside the courtroom, Trump’s troubles extended to his social media company’s shares falling by 15 percent, amid a turbulent stock performance since its public offering.
Overall, the first day of Trump’s trial was marked by intense legal battles, political posturing, and the beginning of what is sure to be a closely watched and contentious process.