How a hush money scandal tied to a porn star led to Trump’s first criminal trial
NEW YORK (AP) — It was the kind of tawdry tale Donald Trump might’ve relished before politics: a porn actress claiming they’d had sex.
But on the eve of the 2016 presidential election, Trump feared the story — which he says is false — would cost him votes. So, prosecutors say, he arranged to pay Stormy Daniels to keep quiet.
Now, after years of fits and starts before an indictment last year, Trump is set to stand trial Monday in New York on state charges related to the very sex scandal that he and his aides strove to hide.
Barring a last-minute delay, it will be the first of Trump’s four criminal cases to go to trial. It will be an unprecedented event in U.S. history — the first criminal trial of a former president.
It wasn’t always clear the hush money allegations would even lead to charges — let alone be the first to reach trial. It is arguably the least perilous of Trump’s indictments, with others involving government secrets and threats to democracy.
Related articles
- Tom Holland enjoyed a post-show cup of tea and proudly waved to fans as he left the Duke of York's T2024-05-21
VERY awkward moment Met Gala staffer suffers embarrassing tumble on the red carpet
Florals may be not groundbreaking for spring but don't worry because one Met Gala staffer found the2024-05-21Cowboys cut Martavis Bryant and end the receiver's latest comeback attempt
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys released receiver Martavis Bryant on Wednesday, ending his l2024-05-21Rory McIlroy will NOT return to PGA Tour board after 'old wounds' reopened in 'messy' discussions
Rory McIlroy's plan to rejoin the PGA Tour's influential policy board has been killed off after he r2024-05-21I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
I need your help. My friend K has been recently telling our friendship group about how dire his fina2024-05-21China's Xi arrives in Hungary for talks on expanding Chinese investments
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Hungary late Wednesday, the final s2024-05-21
atest comment