Donald Trump is the first former or current US president to face a criminal trial Former President Donald Trump arrived for the first day of his ‘unprecedented’ criminal hush money trial – and appeared to fall asleep in the courtroom. Before entering Manhattan Criminal Court around 9am on Monday, Trump said: ‘This is political persecution, this is a persecution like never before, nobody has ever seen anything like it… It’s an assault on America.
But Trump and his lawyers have reportedly conceded that he is unlikely to be acquitted, meaning Trump may personally testify to persuade jurors of his innocence. The rare move could backfire – or work in his favour. The jury selection alone could last more than two weeks, meaning the trial could stretch into June. Merchan has already issued a gag order which bars Trump from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, jurors and the judge’s own family.