UPDATE: Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York will continue on March 25, after a judge rejected the former president’s efforts to dismiss the case.
Trump faces charges including falsifying business records related to secret payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. At a pretrial hearing, Judge Juan Merchan said the case would be submitted for jury selection in March.
Trump, who pleaded not guilty, was present in the courtroom when the judge made his ruling. He accuses Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of political motivations in indicting him last year and repeated these claims to reporters outside court this morning. It’s not a crime, Trump told reporters. We’re here for something, but it’s not a crime. Despite his legal battle, Trump stated that he plans to campaign in the evening during the trial.
This state trial is one of four criminal proceedings Trump will face this year. A federal criminal trial over accusations that Trump conspired to stay in power despite losing the 2020 presidential election has been put on hold pending an appeal by his lawyers. Another federal case, pertaining to Trump’s withholding of classified documents and obstructing an investigation, is expected to commence in May.
In Georgia, Trump is among several defendants facing racketeering and other charges related to vote counting in the state. Additionally, a judge is currently conducting a misconduct hearing to determine whether Fulton County Prosecutor Fani Willis and Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade misused public funds. Recent revelations regarding their romantic relationship warrant the investigation.
Responding to the judge’s decision, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated: We are pleased that the Court has denied the defense’s motion to dismiss. We look forward to presenting our case in court on March 25, 2024.
With multiple legal battles awaiting Donald Trump, the country eagerly awaits the outcomes of these proceedings, which hold significant implications for the former president’s political and legal future. The world will be watching as these trials unfold, providing clarity on the allegations against Trump and their potential consequences.
As the trial approaches, tensions rise, and the media spotlight intensifies. The March 25 trial date brings with it a new chapter in the legal saga of a man who once held the highest office in the United States. With each proceeding holding tremendous weight, the results are poised to shape not only Trump’s legacy but also the future of American politics.
The eyes of the nation remain fixed on these landmark trials, as the American justice system navigates a highly charged political landscape. The legal battles ahead will undoubtedly have long-lasting implications on the political, legal, and social fabric of the country.
