For the first time in the history of the United States (US), a former president is on trial in criminal court. Former US President Donald Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a payment to former porn star Stormy Daniels in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election.
Trump's historic "hush money" trial began on April 15, 2024 and is still ongoing. Stormy Daniels appeared before the judge at today's (May 7) hearing in New York Court.
A first in US history: Donald Trump's historic "hush money" trial begins
It is stated that Trump has not been given any information about the witnesses who appeared in court today. Trump cannot receive information about the witnesses who are appearing in court on the grounds that he violated the "gag order" imposed on him by the court. According to US journalists, when Trump learned that Stormy Daniels was among the witnesses appearing in court, he made a post on his X account criticizing this decision. Trump later deleted the tweet, saying the court had not given his lawyers time to prepare.
Stormy Daniels: "I was offered $130,000 not to talk about what happened with Trump"
Trump was in the courtroom throughout the trial. It is reported that Trump listened to Daniels' statements during the hearing.
Stormy Daniels, who appeared before the judge as a witness in the trial, began her speech by taking the oath before the court. When prosecutor Hoffinger asked if the former prono star had met Trump at a golf tournament in 2006, Daniels said, "We did, but it was a very brief encounter."
Stating that there were people who invited her to a dinner with Trump, Daniels said that she did not accept this dinner invitation at that time. Daniels also said that her publisher insisted that she attend the dinner.
Stormy Daniels, a key figure in the Donald Trump case, said she was under threat
Later in the hearing, Daniels began to talk about her first time with Trump. Daniels said that she thought she was going to attend a dinner with Trump and that she was taken to Trump's hotel room. Daniels said that they talked about her porn movies in their conversation in Trump's hotel room and that Trump asked her if she had been tested for venereal disease.
Daniels also claimed that Trump told her that he and his wife Melania slept in separate rooms.
Speaking despite the judges' warning "not to give too many details," Daniels said the former president did not use condoms during their first sexual encounter.
After that, she said, she and Trump began talking on the phone at least two or three times a week, adding that she had another sexual encounter with the former president in Los Angeles in 2007. Daniels said she was offered $130,000 not to publicize her experiences with Trump and that she accepted the deal even though the money was not important to her.
The hearing was adjourned until 21:00 Turkish time.
What is Trump accused of?
Donald Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen allegedly paid former porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 shortly before the 2016 presidential election. Cohen first denied these allegations, but later admitted to making the payment. However, Cohen argued that no one knew about this payment to Daniels. Trump denies the allegations that he had a sexual relationship with Daniels and describes the case as "political". Prosecutors in New York have been investigating allegations that Daniels was paid "hush money" on Trump's behalf for more than five years.
According to prosecutors, Trump's "hush money" payment violated federal election law. However, he concealed the violation by disguising it as a payment for legal services.
Prosecutors also say the records violate tax laws.
A first in US history: Trump becomes first president to face criminal charges
Trump, on the other hand, denies the charges and has recently filed several legal applications to postpone the trial. So far, these have been unsuccessful.
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