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NEW YORK: Donald Trump, aged 77, marks a historic moment on Monday as the first former president to undergo a criminal trial, with jury selection commencing in Manhattan.
The case revolves around hush money directed to porn star Stormy Daniels, casting a shadow with the U.S. election looming in less than seven months and Trump eyeing a return to the White House.
Amidst legal complexities, Trump faces three additional criminal cases, potentially unresolved before the upcoming election. These include endeavors to overturn his 2020 election loss and retaining classified documents post his 2021 departure from office.
Accused of orchestrating a $130,000 payment via his then-attorney Michael Cohen to silence Daniels about a purported 2006 encounter, Trump refutes any involvement. Charged with falsifying records to conceal this payment, Trump maintains his innocence to the 34 counts presented by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Trump portrays these legal battles as politically motivated attacks, while suggesting a potential retaliatory approach towards adversaries, including President Joe Biden, if he secures the presidency again.
Some legal analysts view the Daniels case as lacking the weight of Trump’s other indictments, citing its focus on extramarital affairs.