Donald J. Trump’s ongoing criminal trial in Manhattan has entered its third week, with several key witnesses yet to testify.
Among those expected to take the stand are Stormy Daniels, the adult film actress who received hush money during the 2016 presidential campaign to keep quiet about an alleged affair with Mr. Trump, and Michael D. Cohen, the former attorney for Trump who facilitated the payment. Additionally, employees of the Trump Organization who were involved in reimbursing Cohen are also anticipated to testify.
Stormy Daniels (Credits: NPR)
Facing 34 felony charges related to these reimbursements, Trump, the first U.S. president to undergo criminal prosecution, is accused by the Manhattan district attorney’s office of orchestrating the falsification of documents connected to the repayments.
While the precise order of witnesses remains uncertain, the trial is progressing swiftly, with the prosecution possibly concluding its case in just over two weeks. Daniels may testify in the coming days, potentially confronting Trump, who has previously disparaged her.
Donald J Trump (Credits: The Intercept)
Maintaining his plea of not guilty, Trump has consistently denied the allegations of an affair with Daniels. If found guilty, he could face probation or up to four years in prison. While Trump will not testify as part of the prosecution’s case, it remains uncertain whether he will choose to take the stand in his own defense later in the trial.
