Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, is set to stand trial in Manhattan on charges related to alleged hush-money payments. The trial, scheduled to begin with jury selection on Monday, marks a historic occasion as Trump becomes the first former president to face criminal charges. Over a period of about six weeks, the case will explore 34 counts of falsifying business records, connected to a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, among other similar allegations.

This payment, reportedly made to suppress information regarding an affair between Trump and Daniels, is pivotal to the charges Trump faces. Moreover, the case extends to transactions involving Playboy model Karen McDougal, with implications that these were orchestrated to influence the outcome of the elections.

Key figures in this trial include Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, who are set to provide testimony on their respective interactions with Trump. Additionally, Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney who claims to have arranged these payments, will testify. Other significant testimonies are expected from David Pecker and Dylan Howard, formerly of American Media Inc, which is alleged to have assisted in suppressing stories.

Prosecutors, led by New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg, argue that Trump’s actions represent more than mere financial missteps, suggesting a calculated breach of legal and electoral norms. If convicted, Trump faces potential incarceration.

The trial will be overseen by Judge Juan Manuel Merchan, despite facing criticism from Trump, who has publicly decried the trial as “political persecution.” The legal proceedings are anticipated to draw global attention, given their unprecedented nature and substantial political ramifications.