As hush money trial begins, Trump’s sex life emerges as key theme

Former President Donald Trump arrives at Manhattan criminal court with his legal team ahead of the start of jury selection in New York,, N.Y. on April 15, 2024. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of an alleged scheme to silence claims of extramarital sexual encounters during his 2016 presidential campaign.

Shortly after the lunch break, as Merchan read a lengthy series of instructions to prospective jurors, Trump closed his eyes and at times appeared to nod off. He then would abruptly catch himself and stiffen his posture.most animated moments in court came when the judge was not on the bench. Trump chatted with his lawyers at the defense table, sometimes making them laugh or smile.

Trump has repeatedly criticized the judge, claiming bias against him and unsuccessfully attempting to get him removed from the case. Merchan, in turn, expressed his displeasure with Trump over public statements attacking his former lawyer Michael Cohen, a key witness in the case, after the judge had issued a gag order explicitly barring such comments.Prosecutors argued Trump had made three social media posts that violated the judge’s order.

Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche argued that would poison the jury against his client, for something that was not a crime and has no bearing on the charges he is facing. Merchan agreed to allow prosecutors to tell the jury about a 2016 meeting at Trump Tower with Trump, Cohen and National Enquirer editor David Pecker, who allegedly tried to help Donald Trump’s presidential campaign campaign. Prosecutors say the three men discussed publishing positive stories about the real estate mogul turned candidate, and negative pieces about his political opponents.

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