The criminal trial of Donald J. Trump, the nation’s 45th president and the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee, started Monday with potential jurors assembling in a drab courtroom in New York City while Mr. Trump looked on.
Mr. Trump denies that encounter happened, and has declared his innocence, calling the charges politically motivated.
He has attacked the judge, Juan M. Merchan, and the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, a Democrat, who also attended the first day of trial on Monday.
Mr. Trump faces 34 felony counts and could face probation or up to four years of prison time.
The trial, which is expected to last weeks, has a fascinating list of potential witnesses: Michael Cohen, Mr. Trump’s former fixer turned apostate, who made the payment; Karen McDougal, a Playboy model who says she, too, had an affair with Mr. Trump; and Hope Hicks, a former aide to Mr. Trump.
Persons:
Donald J, Trump, Stormy Daniels, Juan M, Alvin L, Bragg, Michael Cohen, Trump’s, Karen McDougal, Hope Hicks, Daniels
Organizations:
Republican, Democratic, Mr, Democrat, fixer
Locations:
New York City, Manhattan