Former US President Donald Trump is set to face his first criminal trial over a hush money scandal involving adult film star Stormy Daniels. The trial, scheduled to start on April 15, 2024, in New York, centers on allegations that Trump paid Daniels to remain silent about an alleged sexual encounter. Trump consistently denies these claims. This case marks a historic event as Donald Trump is first former president to be criminally tried.

Trump faces a total of 88 felony charges across different jurisdictions, relating to various allegations including hush money, mishandling classified documents, and federal election interference. The upcoming trials will address these charges, which if Trump is convicted, could lead to substantial prison time.

Despite his legal challenges, Trump is also seeking the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential race, actively campaigning and leveraging his indictments as evidence of political persecution. His campaign’s success may hinge on the outcomes of these trials and a pending Supreme Court decision regarding his presidential immunity defence against accusations from the 2020 election cycle.

Legal proceedings are attracting global attention as they pose significant implications for U.S. political norms and constitutional law, with potential impacts on Trump’s future political viability. As the jury selection begins in Manhattan, where the jury demographics might lean towards a liberal viewpoint, the trial process promises thorough scrutiny to ensure fairness given its high-profile nature.