ALBAWABA - Former US President Donald Trump made his courtroom appearance in the much-anticipated "hush money" lawsuit. As the first trial of a former president facing criminal charges, the jury selection procedure is historic.
Trump called the charges against him a "blatant affront" and denied guilt at Manhattan Criminal Court. He boldly declared, "I am innocent and proud. This politically motivated trial shames the nation. This travesty is unprecedented."
Trump faces 34 allegations in the "hush money" case, including conspiring to cover up payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels as business expenditures before the 2016 election.
The prosecution claims these funds violate federal election laws. Trump denies the charges, calling the trial a "partisan witch hunt" to damage his name.
The court rejected Trump's request for protection from criminal prosecution despite his standing as a former president, highlighting the severity of the charges.
Trump faces prison time if convicted, so the stakes are enormous. He might be sentenced to four years in prison at 77, which could affect his political ambitions when he runs for office in November.
It was the first time a former president was tried for a crime in the US. If Trump is convicted on "hush money" charges before the midterms, the trial might change the political landscape.
