First Criminal Trial Against a Former U.S. President Set to Begin on March 25

The first criminal trial against a former U.S. president is set to begin on March 25. The Manhattan criminal court in New York has rejected Donald Trump's application to dismiss the case related to financial fraud involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

During today’s hearing, Trump's lawyers insisted that the case should be dismissed or postponed. They argued that a fair trial could not be conducted in New York and that the jurors would not be impartial. Additionally, Trump’s representatives noted that the trial could impact the presidential election primaries and disrupt the electoral process.

The judge dismissed all defense arguments. Trump stated once again in an interview with reporters that he has committed no crime.

According to prosecutors, Trump paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels through his lawyer before the 2016 election to ensure her silence regarding their sexual encounter. Although the payment itself was not illegal, it was categorized as a payment for legal services by Trump to his lawyer, which is considered falsification of records in New York State.

Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen, was sentenced to three years in prison in 2018 for fraud. No charges were brought against Trump, who was president at the time. This will be the first of four criminal cases against the former president to be heard in New York.