A judge is poised to decide if the Manhattan district attorney’s case against Donald J. Trump proceeds to trial, potentially marking the first criminal prosecution of a former U.S. president.
In a historic legal juncture, a judge is poised to render a pivotal decision regarding the fate of the Manhattan district attorney’s case against Donald J. Trump. This landmark decision could determine whether the case proceeds to trial, marking an unprecedented event as the first criminal prosecution of a former American president.
The courtroom anticipation is palpable as legal teams present arguments, scrutinizing the intricacies of the case and the applicable laws. The proceedings carry profound implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the principles of justice and accountability that underpin the American legal system.
As the judge deliberates on this momentous matter, the eyes of the nation—and indeed, the world—are fixed on the outcome, recognizing the gravity of the situation and its potential ramifications for the broader political and legal landscape. The ruling, whichever way it leans, is certain to shape the course of history and set a precedent that reverberates far beyond the confines of the courtroom.
A New York judge, Juan M. Merchan, is set to rule on whether the Manhattan district attorney’s case against Donald J. Trump proceeds to trial, possibly as soon as next month. Trump’s request to dismiss the charges, arising from a hush-money payment to a porn star, is deemed a long shot. The hearing, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, will likely see the judge rejecting Trump’s request. If so, a firm trial date, initially set for March 25, will likely be established. This marks the first criminal prosecution of a former American president.
Donald J. Trump faces 91 felony counts across four indictments from prosecutors in Washington, Florida, Georgia, and Manhattan. The Manhattan district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, accuses Trump of covering up a potential sex scandal involving Stormy Daniels during and after the 2016 election. Bragg frames the case as election interference. Another federal case, filed in Washington, focuses on Trump’s efforts after his 2020 election defeat, but appeals from Trump have delayed the trial. The Manhattan case centers on a $130,000 hush-money payment to Daniels. Michael D. Cohen, Trump’s former fixer, is expected to testify against him. Trump’s lawyers seek to dismiss the case, claiming it’s politically motivated. A New York judge will rule on Trump’s civil fraud case soon. Trump also faces federal charges in Florida and accusations of subverting the 2020 election in Georgia.