Former U.S. President Donald Trump is currently undergoing a trial in New York related to charges of falsifying business records concerning hush-money payments. The trial, taking place in Manhattan criminal court, revolves around a disputed $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and involves 34 felony counts. These charges were initiated to review whether these payments were made to suppress damaging stories ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Key testimonies have been given by Hope Hicks, Trump’s former chief aide, who spoke about the turmoil within Trump’s campaign following the emergence of the “Access Hollywood” tape. This tape, which contained vulgar comments by Trump about women, coincided with efforts to manage fallout from allegations of Trump’s extramarital affairs.

Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney and fixer, has been a pivotal figure in the trial, although he has not yet testified. Recordings featuring Cohen discussing the hush-money arrangements have been played during the proceedings. Cohen’s involvement and credibility are expected to be major points of contention, as defense strategies focus on his past criminal activities and potential motives.

Adding to the trial’s drama, Trump was fined $9,000 and held in contempt of court for violating a gag order. His management of judicial orders and external commentary has continued to stir additional legal and public scrutiny.

Amidst ongoing legal examinations and testimonies, the trial is revealing intricate details about the plans and pressures within Trump’s 2016 campaign, indicating the lengths to which Trump’s team went to protect his candidacy and public image.