Former U.S. President Donald Trump began jury selection for his trial in Manhattan, New York, on charges of falsifying business records linked to hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels. This follows accusations that payments, aimed at silencing Daniels regarding an alleged affair prior to the 2016 election, were improperly documented.

The proceedings, not televised due to New York laws, kicked off under the oversight of Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan. Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to the 34 counts of fraud, could see his campaign activities as the Republican frontrunner for the upcoming presidential election impacted by the trial schedule. Prosecutors, expecting to need around 15 to 17 days to present their case, will call Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, as a key witness.

The trial holds historical significance as it marks the first criminal trial against a former U.S. president. In addition to this case, Trump faces three other legal challenges, including issues related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and his retention of classified documents after leaving office in 2021.

Trump has publicly proclaimed his innocence and denounced the trial as politically motivated, criticizing it as an attack orchestrated by current President Joe Biden, though he has expressed a readiness to testify in his defense.

As the trial unfolds, Trump continues his campaigning efforts, even as Democratic President Joe Biden conducts parallel campaign activities. The political tension highlights the critical nature of the voter landscape as both parties prepare for the upcoming election, with Pennsylvania being a focal battleground as evidenced by recent campaign stops and endorsements.