The hush-money trial of former President Donald Trump has continued, focusing on testimony from adult film star Stormy Daniels. The trial, taking place in New York, stems from a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to Daniels during the 2016 election campaign, aimed at suppressing her claims of an alleged affair with Trump. Daniels provided detailed testimony of her interactions with Trump, central to the charges of falsifying business records Trump faces.

Amidst the intense proceedings, Trump’s popularity within the Republican Party remains strong, as he is considered a likely nominee for the 2024 presidential race against Joe Biden. Notably, the unfolding trial appears not to have significantly dented his standing in the polls.

Judge Juan Merchan is overseeing the trial and has been strict about maintaining courtroom decorum, recently denying Trump’s request to lift a gag order that prevents him from responding to Daniels’ allegations publicly. This decision followed multiple violations of the gag order by Trump, for which he has been fined.

The case marks the first of four criminal trials involving Trump with additional charges related to his actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election, his handling of sensitive documents, and his role in the Capitol insurrection on January 6. Other trials are facing delays and may not commence until after the 2024 elections.

The trial has also featured emotional testimony from other figures associated with Trump and moments of heightened drama over the specific details of the allegations. As legal experts anticipate further developments, Trump’s defense maintains that he is being unfairly targeted by a biased judicial process. The trajectory of this case could play a critical role in shaping Trump’s political future.