Donald Trump is no stranger to controversies. However, the ‘Hush Money’ case trumps all his previous scandals. The 77-year-old is the first former President of the United States to undergo a criminal prosecution. Here is all you need to know about the historic Trump Hush Money Trial case.
Context and Background
This case refers to legal proceedings that Donald Trump is facing for criminal reasons. It is based on accusations that he covered up a $130,000 payment to an adult film actress, Stormy Daniels, to prevent her from exposing their alleged affair in the media. This payoff was shown on business records and considered an attempt to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.
Michael Cohen: A Key Figure in the Case
Michael Cohen is Donald Trump’s former lawyer who arranged a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels out of his own pocket in 2016. He is a star witness in this case. He pleaded guilty to federal charges associated with orchestrating the payment. He also testified that the former President approved the plan to reimburse him.
The Unveiling of Drama
Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model, claimed to have an affair with Donald Trump. The publisher of the National Enquirer, American Media Inc. (AMI), paid her $150,000 in hush money, a ‘catch and kill’ arrangement. Under this arrangement, the publisher bought the rights to her story to bury it to support Donald Trump ahead of the 2016 election. The news made the headlines in November 2016.
The Continuation of Drama
The story of Karen McDougal didn’t resurface until January 2018, when it was reported that Michael Cohen had paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels. After a series of to-and-fro allegations between Michael Cohen and Donald Trump, the investigation didn’t reach any conclusive result until 2023.
Alvin Bragg: The Man Who Announced Indictment of Donald Trump
The hush money case took a big turn when Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced a 34-count felony indictment of Donald Trump in April 2023. He stated that the former President falsified New York business records to disguise damaging information and unlawful activity from the U.S. voters before and after the 2016 election.
Felony Charges
While hush money payments aren’t illegal in themselves, Donald Trump is charged with falsifying business records, a Class E felony. He faces 34 felony charges, comprising 11 invoices, 11 checks, and 12 ledger entries grossing up to $420,000. The payments are deemed in-kind political contributions exceeding the legal threshold and misreported.
$420,000 Breakdown
Apart from reimbursement of $130,000 to Stormy Daniels via Michael Cohen, Donald Trump also paid his former lawyer a $60,000 bonus and $180,000 to cover taxes on payment. There is also a billing of $50,000 to a tech company, RedFinch, that played a crucial role in boosting Donald Trump’s poll ratings for the 2016 election. All these amounts falsely appear as retainers and legal expenses and are campaign finance violations.
Donald Trump’s Denials
Donald Trump denied having any affair or sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels. He also said hush money payments were ‘a simple private transaction’ and it was wrongly called ‘a campaign contribution’.
Donald Trump’s Defense Team
Given that this high-profile case could seal Donald Trump’s fate, he chose only the best for his defense team. His first lawyer is Todd Blanche, a former Wall Street law firm partner and Republican. Susan Necheles is the second lawyer with a history of defending politicians and mobsters. She also represented the Trump Organization in a criminal tax fraud trial in 2022.
Juan Merchan – The Judge
The Manhattan judge, Juan Merchan, helms the court proceedings of this case. He presided over the Trump Organization’s tax fraud trial, which convicted its CFO, Allen Weisselberg. He will also preside over the fraud and money-laundering case (trial scheduled in September) against Donald Trump’s former top advisor, Steve Bannon.
Trial
The Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s trial commenced in April 2024 at Manhattan state court in New York City. A team of jurors heard from 22 witnesses, the key ones being Michael Cohen, David Pecker, Stormy Daniels, Hope Hicks, Gary Farro, Robert Browning, Keith Davidson, Jeffrey McConney, Robert Costello, and the man himself, Donald Trump.
Verdict
Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts in a jury verdict on May 30, 2024, a first in the United States presidential history. His sentence date was set for July 11, 2024, to decide the preferred punishment before which he could not be officially called a ‘convicted felon’. His potential sentence could be four years in prison, fines, restitution, or probation under Class E felonies.
After the Verdict
Donald Trump’s legal team decided to appeal the verdict. Despite being found guilty, Trump was free to conduct activities such as speaking to the press or traveling for his presidential campaign. He can still run for President and get elected.
Immunity Ruling
This case took an interesting twist when the Supreme Court granted Donald Trump presidential immunity on July 2, 2024. Under the new ruling, his sentence scheduled for July 11 shifted to September 18 ‘if such still necessary’. Experts argued that this ruling could have significant implications for Donald Trump and the future of presidential power.
Public Opinion
A YouGov snap poll reveals the public sentiment, with 50% of Americans agreeing with the jury’s verdict finding Donald Trump guilty of 34 felony charges. This includes 86% of Democrats and 15% of Republicans who believe he is guilty.
Wait and Watch Scenario
Donald Trump’s and America’s fate hangs in a delicate balance as people await the decision on sentence on September 18. Experts opine that Donald Trump’s trial could begin in late September or October in Washington, D.C., but the November 5, 2024 elections could lead to a further delay. It would be interesting to watch the political ramifications of this case unfold in the coming months.