Two presidential campaigns ago, Donald J. Trump faced a brewing sex scandal that threatened to derail his bid for the White House.
On Thursday, a New York judge ensured that the very same scandal will loom over Mr. Trump’s latest run for president, scheduling for March 25 a trial that could jeopardize his campaign — and his freedom.
The judge, Juan M. Merchan, rejected Mr. Trump’s bid to throw out the Manhattan district attorney’s criminal charges against him that stem from a hush-money payment to a porn star in 2016.
The ruling is a crucial victory for the district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg.
He said he was “pleased” by the judge’s decision and was looking forward to the trial, where Mr. Trump is facing 34 felony charges and, if convicted, a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
Persons:
Donald J, Trump, Trump’s, —, Juan M, Merchan, Alvin L, Bragg, “, ”
Organizations:
White
Locations:
New York, Manhattan, American