The official record refers to the case as People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump, and currently, the people hold the upper hand: They have insider witnesses, a favorable jury pool, and a scandalous set of facts involving a presidential candidate, a payoff, and a porn star.
On Monday, prosecutors will present the case to 12 crucial jurors, marking the first prosecution of an American president. The trial, which could result in Mr. Trump being labeled a felon as he pursues another White House bid, will have far-reaching implications and will test the integrity of the justice system that Mr. Trump frequently criticizes.
Despite the substantial evidence compiled by District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, a conviction is not guaranteed. Mr. Trump’s legal team will focus on three potential weaknesses: the credibility of a key witness, the president’s involvement, and the legal complexities of the case.
Prosecutors will aim to navigate around these vulnerabilities by presenting a narrative that intertwines politics and scandal to captivate the jury. They will also work to enhance the credibility of key witness Michael D. Cohen, a former associate of Mr. Trump who previously admitted to federal crimes related to hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels.
Legal experts anticipate prosecutors corroborating Cohen’s account wherever possible to strengthen their case.
Both sides will present their arguments during opening statements on Monday, offering contrasting interpretations of the evidence surrounding the payoff to Ms. Daniels that briefly jeopardized Mr. Trump’s presidency.
However, in outlining the case to potential jurors, Manhattan prosecutors underscored the trial’s significance in upholding the rule of law and determining whether Mr. Trump violated it.
The trial’s outcome could not only impact Mr. Trump’s freedom but also his political future. If convicted, he may lose the right to vote or run for office, potentially becoming the first convicted criminal to hold the presidency.
The trial marks a historic moment where a former president’s fate will be determined by a jury rather than voters. The selection of Manhattan jurors, who hail from the borough where Mr. Trump rose to fame but is now unpopular, could influence the trial’s outcome.
While a favorable jury pool may benefit the prosecution, the inclusion of jurors with affinity towards Mr. Trump introduces an element of unpredictability.
For District Attorney Bragg, the trial represents a pivotal moment in his career as he stakes his reputation on a case that he initially hesitated to pursue.
The trial centers on three hush-money deals orchestrated by Mr. Trump, including payments to Ms. Daniels, a former Playboy model, and a doorman with a fabricated story. The elaborate efforts to conceal these scandals form the crux of the prosecution’s case.
The prosecution alleges that Mr. Trump engaged in a cover-up by disguising reimbursements to Cohen as legitimate expenses, supported by falsified records produced by his company.
While direct evidence linking Mr. Trump to the falsified records may be lacking, prosecutors plan to present compelling circumstantial evidence to establish his involvement.
Mr. Cohen’s testimony and corroborating evidence are expected to play a crucial role in the trial, potentially swaying the jury’s decision.
The trial could ultimately serve as a test of Mr. Cohen’s credibility, with both sides aiming to sway the jury with contrasting narratives.
While Mr. Trump’s defense team may question Cohen’s motives and past actions, prosecutors will seek to validate his account through corroborating evidence and witness testimony.
The trial is set to be a high-stakes showdown with far-reaching implications for Mr. Trump’s political future and the integrity of the justice system.
The outcome of this unprecedented trial will not only shape Mr. Trump’s legacy but also set a precedent for holding powerful figures accountable under the law.
