Former US President Donald Trump is currently facing a criminal trial in Manhattan, accused of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 “hush money” payment to Stormy Daniels, a porn star who alleges an affair with him. This case, which highlights Trump’s first instance standing trial on criminal charges, began with jury selection on April 15, 2024.

The payment in question was reportedly arranged by Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, as part of efforts to prevent damaging stories during the 2016 presidential campaign. Cohen, who has admitted to making this payment and similar others at Trump’s direction, is a primary witness for the prosecution. Other key figures involved include David Pecker, former CEO of American Media Inc, who is said to have helped suppress stories about Trump, and Allen Weisselberg, former CFO of the Trump Organization, involved in disguising the nature of the repayments.

Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, claims that she accepted the hush money out of concern for her family’s safety. The trial, overseen by District Attorney Alvin Bragg and presided over by Judge Juan Merchan, is anticipated to last up to two months.

Trump has vehemently denied all allegations, attributing the charges to a politically motivated attack led by Democrats and has continued to campaign for a return to the White House, facing a total of 88 felony counts in various legal battles. This trial not only places Trump under scrutiny but also the individuals connected to the alleged scheme to suppress information detrimental to his 2016 campaign.