Former US President Donald Trump is scheduled to face trial on April 15 over allegations concerning hush money payments related to an affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This trial marks the first of four criminal cases brought against Trump to advance to this stage, amidst his attempts to defer legal proceedings. The case centers on payments made in 2016 to women alleging extramarital encounters with Trump, which he has consistently denied. Despite claims of prosecutorial misconduct by Trump’s legal team due to the release of documents, a judge has dismissed these accusations. Trump has criticized the trial’s timing, suggesting it constitutes “election interference” amid his ongoing presidential campaign. This legal battle is among several confronting Trump, including a $454 million civil fraud judgement and charges surrounding election interference and handling of classified documents. The prosecution argues the payments to Daniels were intended as hush money, whereas Trump’s defense contends they were legitimate legal fees. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, admitted guilt to campaign finance violations related to the Daniels payment in 2018.

Simultaneously, Trump has been granted an extension to fulfill a portion of the $464 million bond in a New York civil fraud case, reducing the immediate financial obligation to $175 million. Despite declaring his willingness to testify at the trial, Trump’s legal and financial troubles have sparked significant attention and debate.

In an unrelated matter, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reportedly sought sanctuary at the Hungarian embassy in Brasília, following the arrest of two of his aides linked to an alleged coup attempt. Captured by security cameras at the embassy, Bolsonaro’s actions have fueled speculation about his intentions and sparked social media backlash, with users labeling him ‘Bolsorunaway’. Bolsonaro, who left office in 2022, is under investigation for various offenses, including falsifying Covid vaccination records and attempting to subvert democratic governance.

Trump, facing multiple legal challenges, continues to assert his innocence and plans to appeal against judicial decisions. Notwithstanding his quiet appearance in court, Trump later condemned the legal processes as a “witch hunt” and “hoax,” maintaining his stance as a target of political persecution. The forthcoming trial will be a historic event, as Trump will be the first former American president to stand in a criminal trial.