Adult film actress Stormy Daniels has testified in the ongoing hush money trial against former US President Donald Trump, detailing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter that she describes as pressured by Trump’s powerful status. The trial, taking place in New York, examines accusations that Trump and his associates orchestrated payments to suppress damaging stories ahead of the 2016 presidential election, potentially influencing the outcome.

Daniels has faced thorough cross-examination from Trump’s defense team, who have challenged her credibility and accused her of extortion. Despite this, Daniels maintains her account of the events, while Trump denies any sexual relationship with her and claims innocence regarding the hush money allegations.

Central to the case is the alleged $130,000 payment to Daniels, meant to prevent her from going public with her story, which prosecutors argue led to falsified business records. This trial marks the first criminal proceedings against a former US president, testing the legal system’s capacity to address actions by high-profile figures.

The trial continues to attract international attention as further details emerge from testimonies, including that of Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, who is a key witness in the case. The proceedings are pivotal not only in legal terms but also politically, as Trump aims for re-election.