With jury selection complete on Friday, the Manhattan criminal trial of former President Donald Trump moves into the next phase Monday morning, beginning with opening statements. Proceedings will get underway at 9:30 am Eastern and are expected to adjourn at 2:00 pm Eastern, as it is Passover.
Following the presentation of opening statements, the prosecution will begin presenting its evidence. The first witness the prosecution is expected to call is David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer.
The former publisher of the National Enquirer allegedly helped broker a deal with Stormy Daniels and arranged to “catch and kill” a story about an affair between Donald Trump and Karen McDougal. Pecker has been granted immunity in the federal investigation in exchange for his testimony before a grand jury.
George Washington University Law Professor Jonathan Turley shared some observations regarding the prosecution’s apparent strategy on X Monday morning:
…..It is reminiscent of the old story about a man who comes upon another man in the dark looking for his wedding ring. Sympathetic, the man joined the stranger on his knees and looked for almost an hour until he asked if the man was sure that he dropped it here. “Oh, no,” the…
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) April 22, 2024
The fact that Bragg is starting with David Pecker to discuss an affair not directly involved in the alleged crimes is telling. With a dubious criminal theory, defuse facts, and delayed charges, the case will focus on a different alleged affair and hush money payment…
…..It is reminiscent of the old story about a man who comes upon another man in the dark looking for his wedding ring. Sympathetic, the man joined the stranger on his knees and looked for almost an hour until he asked if the man was sure that he dropped it here. “Oh, no,” the stranger admitted, “I lost it across the street but the light is better here.”
Stay tuned here as we bring you live updates of the day’s developments in the case.
