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<p>A complete jury of 12 members, along with&nbsp;an alternate, was&nbsp;sworn in for the historic criminal trial in former US President Donald&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;hush money case in New York City on Thursday (April 18).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The jury&nbsp;was finalised&nbsp;after nearly 200 potential jurors&nbsp;were questioned&nbsp;by the two sides regarding how fair and impartial they could be towards the former president, who has criminal charges against him.</p>

<p>After the 12 jurors were selected, state Judge Juan Merchan said,&nbsp;"We have our jury."&nbsp;The court still needs to&nbsp;select&nbsp;five more alternates.&nbsp;"I am hopeful we will finish tomorrow,"&nbsp;said the&nbsp;judge,&nbsp;before he swore the jury in. The court had earlier excused two of the&nbsp;jurors&nbsp;seated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juror-excused-from-trump-hush-money-trial-due-to-fear-of-influence-what-you-need-to-know-712675">Juror excused from Trump hush money trial due to fear of influence: What you need to know</a></p>

<p>If the five alternates are selected by April 19, the opening statements in the criminal trial can start as early as Monday.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;panel&nbsp;comprises seven men and five women. The new jurors&nbsp;who&nbsp;were&nbsp;added&nbsp;to the panel on Thursday (April 18) include a product development manager, a physical therapist, a retired wealth manager and a speech therapist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A lawyer, a salesman, a teacher and a software engineer&nbsp;were sworn in&nbsp;as the jurors on Tuesday (April 16).</p>

<h2><strong>Trump calls the case&nbsp;"ridiculous",&nbsp;"unfair"&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While leaving the court on Thursday (April 18), Trump showed dozens of media articles which criticised the Manhattan charges against him and said that the charges were&nbsp;"political"&nbsp;in nature.</p>

<p>"It's&nbsp;a very unfair,&nbsp;very bad&nbsp;thing,"&nbsp;said the presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who is most likely to challenge President Joe Biden in&nbsp;November's&nbsp;election.</p>

<p>"The whole world is watching this hoax.&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;supposed to be in a lot of different places campaigning. But&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;been here all day on a trial that&nbsp;really&nbsp;is&nbsp;a very unfair trial,"&nbsp;said the former president.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Trump on Trial: Friend turned foe? Former Trump aide Michael Cohen becomes star witness</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-on-trial-friend-turned-foe-former-trump-aide-michael-cohen-becomes-star-witness-712710/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"And&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;sitting here for days now from morning till night. In&nbsp;that freezing room&nbsp;freezing. Everybody was freezing,"&nbsp;Trump added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The criminal trial, which is the first one in which a former US president is the defendant, started from an alleged hush-money payment made to a porn star.</p>

<p>Before the 2016 elections, porn star Stormy Daniels was made a payment of $130,000 (£105,000) to purchase her silence regarding her alleged affair with Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A complete jury of 12 members, along with an alternate, was sworn in for the historic criminal trial in former US President Donald Trump's hush money case in New York City on Thursday (April 18).

A complete jury of 12 members, along with an alternate, was sworn in for the historic criminal trial in former US President Donald Trump's hush money case in New York City on Thursday (April 18). The jury was finalised after nearly 200 potential jurors were questioned by the two sides regarding how fair and impartial they could be towards the former president, who has criminal charges against him. After the 12 jurors were selected, state Judge Juan Merchan said, "We have our jury." The court still needs to select five more alternates. "I am hopeful we will finish tomorrow," said the judge, before he swore the jury in. The court had earlier excused two of the jurors seated. Also Read: Juror excused from Trump hush money trial due to fear of influence: What you need to know If the five alternates are selected by April 19, the opening statements in the criminal trial can start as early as Monday. The panel comprises seven men and five women. The new jurors who were added to the panel on Thursday (April 18) include a product development manager, a physical therapist, a retired wealth manager and a speech therapist. A lawyer, a salesman, a teacher and a software engineer were sworn in as the jurors on Tuesday (April 16). Trump calls the case "ridiculous", "unfair" While leaving the court on Thursday (April 18), Trump showed dozens of media articles which criticised the Manhattan charges against him and said that the charges were "political" in nature. "It's a very unfair, very bad thing," said the presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who is most likely to challenge President Joe Biden in November's election. "The whole world is watching this hoax. I’m supposed to be in a lot of different places campaigning. But I’ve been here all day on a trial that really is a very unfair trial," said the former president. Watch: Trump on Trial: Friend turned foe? Former Trump aide Michael Cohen becomes star witness "And I’m sitting here for days now from morning till night. In that freezing room freezing. Everybody was freezing," Trump added. The criminal trial, which is the first one in which a former US president is the defendant, started from an alleged hush-money payment made to a porn star. Before the 2016 elections, porn star Stormy Daniels was made a payment of $130,000 (£105,000) to purchase her silence regarding her alleged affair with Trump. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's hush money trial: Court selects 12 jurors & an alternate, announces 'we have our jury'

<p>On the second day of former&nbsp;United States president Donald Trump's hush money trial, seven Manhattan residents were selected as jurors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday (April 16), as the jurors were selected, the lawyers on the two sides debated over potential jurors who should be seated and the defendant was warned by the judge to remain quiet.</p>

<h2><strong>How the seven jurors were selected?</strong></h2>

<p>When the selection process took place, the jury's anonymous members were only identified by letters and numbers like B400 and B280 and their identities remained hidden.</p>

<p>These seven jurors were four men and three women, who were young as well as middle-aged. These jurors included a salesman, a nurse, two lawyers, an IT consultant, a teacher and a software engineer. They had grown up in Ireland, Oregon and Puerto Rico.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-in-three-us-adults-think-trump-did-something-illegal-as-historic-hush-money-trial-gets-underway-712042">One in three US adults think Trump did something illegal as hush money trial gets underway</a></p>

<p>These jurors spoke about their backgrounds and also shared their opinions regarding Trump before they were chosen for the job.</p>

<p>In her reply on opinion regarding Trump, a nurse said she "[doesn't] really have" an opinion regarding the former president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The nurse promised that she was "here for my civic duty" and "to listen to the facts." Meanwhile, an IT consultant said, "My family is my hobby," and admitted to finding Trump "fascinating and mysterious."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the teacher said, "President Trump speaks his mind, and I'd rather that than someone who's in office who you don't know what they're thinking." She did not know that Trump has been facing criminal charges in other cases as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Judge Juan Merchan asked the jurors to come back for opening statements on April 22. The court still needs to select at least five more jurors and nearly half a dozen alternates.</p>

<h2><strong>Judge warns Trump against intimidation of jurors&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The judge warned the&nbsp;lawyers that he would not tolerate intimidation of prospective jurors as he slammed Trump for audibly muttering when one of the possible jurors was being questioned.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US: Donald Trump calls his Hush Money Trial 'an assault on America'</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-donald-trump-calls-his-hush-money-trial-an-assault-on-america-711690/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The judge asked Trump's lawyer to speak to him regarding his behaviour. "I won't tolerate that. I will not have any jurors intimidated in the courtroom," the judge said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Trump called the judge&nbsp;"conflicted", and said that "he should not be there."</p>

<p>Trump has been facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to hide a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election. Daniels has claimed that she had a sexual encounter with Trump long before the 2016 election.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On the second day of former United States president Donald Trump's hush money trial, seven Manhattan residents were selected as jurors. On Tuesday (April 16), as the jurors were selected, the lawyers on the two sides debated over potential jurors who should be seated and the defendant was warned by the judge to remain quiet.

On the second day of former United States president Donald Trump's hush money trial, seven Manhattan residents were selected as jurors. On Tuesday (April 16), as the jurors were selected, the lawyers on the two sides debated over potential jurors who should be seated and the defendant was warned by the judge to remain quiet. How the seven jurors were selected? When the selection process took place, the jury's anonymous members were only identified by letters and numbers like B400 and B280 and their identities remained hidden. These seven jurors were four men and three women, who were young as well as middle-aged. These jurors included a salesman, a nurse, two lawyers, an IT consultant, a teacher and a software engineer. They had grown up in Ireland, Oregon and Puerto Rico. Also Read: One in three US adults think Trump did something illegal as hush money trial gets underway These jurors spoke about their backgrounds and also shared their opinions regarding Trump before they were chosen for the job. In her reply on opinion regarding Trump, a nurse said she "[doesn't] really have" an opinion regarding the former president. The nurse promised that she was "here for my civic duty" and "to listen to the facts." Meanwhile, an IT consultant said, "My family is my hobby," and admitted to finding Trump "fascinating and mysterious." Meanwhile, the teacher said, "President Trump speaks his mind, and I'd rather that than someone who's in office who you don't know what they're thinking." She did not know that Trump has been facing criminal charges in other cases as well. Judge Juan Merchan asked the jurors to come back for opening statements on April 22. The court still needs to select at least five more jurors and nearly half a dozen alternates. Judge warns Trump against intimidation of jurors The judge warned the lawyers that he would not tolerate intimidation of prospective jurors as he slammed Trump for audibly muttering when one of the possible jurors was being questioned. Watch: US: Donald Trump calls his Hush Money Trial 'an assault on America' The judge asked Trump's lawyer to speak to him regarding his behaviour. "I won't tolerate that. I will not have any jurors intimidated in the courtroom," the judge said. Meanwhile, Trump called the judge "conflicted", and said that "he should not be there." Trump has been facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to hide a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election. Daniels has claimed that she had a sexual encounter with Trump long before the 2016 election. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's hush money trial case: First 7 jurors selected, judge warns against 'intimidation' of jurors

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump, on Monday (Apr 15) headed to the court for his historic criminal trial where the New York prosecutors asked the judge to fine him after he allegedly violated the gag order about potential witnesses and introduced a motion to sanction the Republican frontrunner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, Trump, 77, set yet another record by becoming the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The charges are related to the case where Trump has been accused of paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and falsifying business records to cover the payments.</p>

<h2><strong>Potential gag order violation</strong></h2>

<p>The historic trial was set to begin with the selection of the jury, with Trump sitting on the defence table with his legal team in the State Supreme Court in Manhattan as prosecutors cited his criticism of witnesses, court officials and others over the years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lashes-out-at-ex-lawyer-cohen-ahead-of-hush-money-trial-despite-gag-order-711073">Trump lashes out at ex-lawyer Cohen ahead of hush money trial despite gag order</a></strong></p>

<p>“The defendant has demonstrated his willingness to flout the order. He has attacked witnesses in the case, in the past he has attacked grand jurors in the case,” said prosecutor Christopher Conroy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The New York prosecutors have asked Justice Juan Merchan to fine Trump $1,000 each for each of three social media reports about Daniels and his former lawyer and potential key witness in the trial Michael Cohen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a series of posts, on April 13, on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called his former lawyer a “disgraced attorney and felon” and questioned how he hasn’t been “prosecuted for LYING.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, he also called both Cohen and Daniels “sleaze bags.” In March, Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, imposed a gag order on Trump on the prosecutors’ request to block him from speaking about the witnesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was later expanded to include his own family members and those of the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the charges against the former president.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-be-fighting-for-our-country-says-trump-on-the-eve-of-hush-money-criminal-trial-711332">'I will be fighting for our country,' says Trump on eve of hush money criminal trial</a></strong></p>

<p>Merchan said he will hold a hearing on the DA’s motion to sanction Trump for his social media posts next week, on April 24, reported the American media.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Historic trial begins</strong></h2>

<p>After a string of defeats in various courts to get the trial delayed, Trump showed up at the Manhattan courthouse, on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a very short speech to the reporters gathered outside, the former president said a case “has never happened before, there has been never anything like this”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also claimed that “every legal scholar said this case is nonsense, it should have never been brought, there is no case” and went on to call it an “assault on America and that's why I'm very proud to be here.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Trump on trial: Donald Trump's hush-money trial begins</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-on-trial-donald-trumps-hush-money-trial-begins-711632/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>It is “an attack on a political opponent. I am very honoured to be here,” Trump said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 12-member jury, along with six alternates, will be chosen from hundreds of New Yorkers. Merchan noted that there are a total of 200 jurors in the courthouse, with some 500 potential jurors waiting while the legal arguments took place earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the task of choosing a jury from the pool of people in heavily Democratic Manhattan could take several days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former United States president Donald Trump, on Monday (Apr 15) headed to the court for his historic criminal trial where the New York prosecutors asked the judge to fine him after he allegedly violated the gag order about potential witnesses and introduced a motion to sanction the Republican frontrunner.

Former United States president Donald Trump, on Monday (Apr 15) headed to the court for his historic criminal trial where the New York prosecutors asked the judge to fine him after he allegedly violated the gag order about potential witnesses and introduced a motion to sanction the Republican frontrunner. On Monday, Trump, 77, set yet another record by becoming the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges. The charges are related to the case where Trump has been accused of paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and falsifying business records to cover the payments. Potential gag order violation The historic trial was set to begin with the selection of the jury, with Trump sitting on the defence table with his legal team in the State Supreme Court in Manhattan as prosecutors cited his criticism of witnesses, court officials and others over the years. Also Read | Trump lashes out at ex-lawyer Cohen ahead of hush money trial despite gag order “The defendant has demonstrated his willingness to flout the order. He has attacked witnesses in the case, in the past he has attacked grand jurors in the case,” said prosecutor Christopher Conroy. The New York prosecutors have asked Justice Juan Merchan to fine Trump $1,000 each for each of three social media reports about Daniels and his former lawyer and potential key witness in the trial Michael Cohen. In a series of posts, on April 13, on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called his former lawyer a “disgraced attorney and felon” and questioned how he hasn’t been “prosecuted for LYING.” Last week, he also called both Cohen and Daniels “sleaze bags.” In March, Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, imposed a gag order on Trump on the prosecutors’ request to block him from speaking about the witnesses. It was later expanded to include his own family members and those of the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the charges against the former president. Also Read | 'I will be fighting for our country,' says Trump on eve of hush money criminal trial Merchan said he will hold a hearing on the DA’s motion to sanction Trump for his social media posts next week, on April 24, reported the American media. Historic trial begins After a string of defeats in various courts to get the trial delayed, Trump showed up at the Manhattan courthouse, on Monday. In a very short speech to the reporters gathered outside, the former president said a case “has never happened before, there has been never anything like this”. He also claimed that “every legal scholar said this case is nonsense, it should have never been brought, there is no case” and went on to call it an “assault on America and that's why I'm very proud to be here.” WATCH | Trump on trial: Donald Trump's hush-money trial begins It is “an attack on a political opponent. I am very honoured to be here,” Trump said. The 12-member jury, along with six alternates, will be chosen from hundreds of New Yorkers. Merchan noted that there are a total of 200 jurors in the courthouse, with some 500 potential jurors waiting while the legal arguments took place earlier. Notably, the task of choosing a jury from the pool of people in heavily Democratic Manhattan could take several days. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump’s hush money trial: Violation of gag order can lead to fines, jail time, say New York prosecutors

<p>As Donald Trump creates history by becoming the first former US President to face a criminal court, his Democrat rival Joe Biden's campaign has started using the trial against him.</p>

<p>On the opening day of his Manhattan "hush money" trial, Donald Trump, as per reports, appeared to doze off in court. This has led to the generation of "sleepy don" references on social media—a play on one of many nicknames Trump coined for President Joe Biden.</p>

<h2><strong>Slack-jawed 'Sleepy Don'</strong></h2>

<p>The New York Times first reported that during the trial, a seemingly exhausted Trump's head kept "dropping down and his mouth goes slack." &nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication in its live blog then reported that "Trump has apparently jolted back awake" upon "noticing the notes his lawyer passed him several minutes ago".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-case-no-jury-selected-on-day-1-as-potential-jurors-confess-to-bias-against-republican-711711">Trump hush money case: No jury selected on day 1 as potential jurors confess to bias against the Republican</a></strong></p>

<p>Other reporters also noticed Trump "leaning back in his chair with his arms folded". Reuters reporters in an email chain shared that "his eyes very much appeared to be closed for several minutes at a time" just before 3 pm.</p>

<h2><strong>Meme fodder for opposition and netizens</strong></h2>

<p>Quickly pouncing on the observations of Trump dozing in the courtroom, his adversaries coined the nickname "Sleepy Don," borrowed from his nickname for Biden, "Sleepy Joe".</p>

<p>Biden's team on X posted a video of a CNN reporter talking about 'Sleepy Don,' with the caption: "Donald Trump appeared to be asleep. His head would fall down. He didn’t pay attention to a note his lawyer passed him. His jaw kept falling on his chest and his mouth kept going slack."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-x-backtracks-will-comply-with-brazil-court-order-to-ban-certain-accounts-711784">Elon Musk's X backtracks, will comply with Brazil court order to ban certain accounts</a></strong></p>

<p>They also posted a meme poking fun at Trump's late-night posts on Truth Social, his social media platform.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/a12PUkIa4k">https://t.co/a12PUkIa4k</a> <a href="https://t.co/Swan4rIvjP">pic.twitter.com/Swan4rIvjP</a></p>
— Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/BidenHQ/status/1779971721975537666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trump's campaign has, however, vehemently denied rumours of the courtroom nap and said it was "100% Fake News coming from 'journalists' who weren’t even in the court room."</p>

<p>However, despite the Trump team's denial, the nickname was too catchy and soon led to some hilarious posts on X. Take a look:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honestly, let him sleep.<br />
Wheel him into a fake Oval Office on the back nine of Trump National, tell him he’s the president, hand him a Diet Coke and a hamberder, play a nature video, quietly close the door, and walk away.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepyDon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepyDon</a> <a href="https://t.co/jupvKVGrNa">pic.twitter.com/jupvKVGrNa</a></p>
— Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoJoFromJerz/status/1779948989816709534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who’s the sleepy joe, now? 😂<br />
<br />
I deem you Sleepy Don. <a href="https://t.co/6fdbY1FxuH">pic.twitter.com/6fdbY1FxuH</a></p>
— 🕊️💞Dannie D💞🕊️ (@DannieD01) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannieD01/status/1779959479624507843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trump fell asleep at his criminal trial.<br />
<br />
Looks like Sleepy Don is too old and low-energy to be president.</p>
— Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) <a href="https://twitter.com/TristanSnell/status/1779998507933258003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sleepy Don! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeadlineWH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeadlineWH</a> <a href="https://t.co/m7U5qiG7ce">pic.twitter.com/m7U5qiG7ce</a></p>
— Peaceful Citizen 110  (@SKUsa11) <a href="https://twitter.com/SKUsa11/status/1779995911692718106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤔<br />
"Sleepy Don" or "Don Snoreleon"?🤔 <a href="https://t.co/4g239yPHGA">pic.twitter.com/4g239yPHGA</a></p>
— 💙 Dr. MemeNstein votes 💙 BLUE 🇺🇸 (@Coste1Costello) <a href="https://twitter.com/Coste1Costello/status/1779999777402355950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s always projection with this assclown. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepyDonald?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepyDonald</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepyDon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepyDon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DonSnoreleone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DonSnoreleone</a> <a href="https://t.co/I7ymX1L6GZ">pic.twitter.com/I7ymX1L6GZ</a></p>
— 😱 Scary Larry 😱 🇺🇦✊🏻🇺🇸🗽 (@aintscarylarry) <a href="https://twitter.com/aintscarylarry/status/1779970313364885657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They changed his diaper, and now it's time for a nap, guys.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepyDon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepyDon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpisaNationalDisgrace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpisaNationalDisgrace</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpStinks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpStinks</a> <a href="https://t.co/dYO1ZjdoWi">pic.twitter.com/dYO1ZjdoWi</a></p>
— Richard Smith (@Richard_ezio) <a href="https://twitter.com/Richard_ezio/status/1780057870396260624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sleepy Don fell asleep in court. 💤</p>
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenKing/status/1779960105385037976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If Sleepy Don is too low energy to stay awake during the first day of his criminal trial, does he even have the stamina to be President? <a href="https://t.co/hrk4FC0lr0">pic.twitter.com/hrk4FC0lr0</a></p>
— Christopher David (@Tazerface16) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tazerface16/status/1779922452057104498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Donald Trump creates history by becoming the first former US President to face a criminal court, his Democrat rival Joe Biden's campaign has started using the trial against him.

As Donald Trump creates history by becoming the first former US President to face a criminal court, his Democrat rival Joe Biden's campaign has started using the trial against him. On the opening day of his Manhattan "hush money" trial, Donald Trump, as per reports, appeared to doze off in court. This has led to the generation of "sleepy don" references on social media—a play on one of many nicknames Trump coined for President Joe Biden. Slack-jawed 'Sleepy Don' The New York Times first reported that during the trial, a seemingly exhausted Trump's head kept "dropping down and his mouth goes slack." The publication in its live blog then reported that "Trump has apparently jolted back awake" upon "noticing the notes his lawyer passed him several minutes ago". Also read | Trump hush money case: No jury selected on day 1 as potential jurors confess to bias against the Republican Other reporters also noticed Trump "leaning back in his chair with his arms folded". Reuters reporters in an email chain shared that "his eyes very much appeared to be closed for several minutes at a time" just before 3 pm. Meme fodder for opposition and netizens Quickly pouncing on the observations of Trump dozing in the courtroom, his adversaries coined the nickname "Sleepy Don," borrowed from his nickname for Biden, "Sleepy Joe". Biden's team on X posted a video of a CNN reporter talking about 'Sleepy Don,' with the caption: "Donald Trump appeared to be asleep. His head would fall down. He didn’t pay attention to a note his lawyer passed him. His jaw kept falling on his chest and his mouth kept going slack." Also read | Elon Musk's X backtracks, will comply with Brazil court order to ban certain accounts They also posted a meme poking fun at Trump's late-night posts on Truth Social, his social media platform. https://t.co/a12PUkIa4k pic.twitter.com/Swan4rIvjP — Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) April 15, 2024 × Trump's campaign has, however, vehemently denied rumours of the courtroom nap and said it was "100% Fake News coming from 'journalists' who weren’t even in the court room." However, despite the Trump team's denial, the nickname was too catchy and soon led to some hilarious posts on X. Take a look: Honestly, let him sleep. Wheel him into a fake Oval Office on the back nine of Trump National, tell him he’s the president, hand him a Diet Coke and a hamberder, play a nature video, quietly close the door, and walk away.#SleepyDon pic.twitter.com/jupvKVGrNa — Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) April 15, 2024 × Who’s the sleepy joe, now? 😂 I deem you Sleepy Don. pic.twitter.com/6fdbY1FxuH — 🕊️💞Dannie D💞🕊️ (@DannieD01) April 15, 2024 × Trump fell asleep at his criminal trial. Looks like Sleepy Don is too old and low-energy to be president. — Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) April 15, 2024 × Sleepy Don! #DeadlineWH pic.twitter.com/m7U5qiG7ce — Peaceful Citizen 110  (@SKUsa11) April 15, 2024 × 🤔 "Sleepy Don" or "Don Snoreleon"?🤔 pic.twitter.com/4g239yPHGA — 💙 Dr. MemeNstein votes 💙 BLUE 🇺🇸 (@Coste1Costello) April 15, 2024 × It’s always projection with this assclown. #SleepyDonald #SleepyDon #DonSnoreleone pic.twitter.com/I7ymX1L6GZ — 😱 Scary Larry 😱 🇺🇦✊🏻🇺🇸🗽 (@aintscarylarry) April 15, 2024 × They changed his diaper, and now it's time for a nap, guys.#SleepyDon #TrumpisaNationalDisgrace #TrumpStinks pic.twitter.com/dYO1ZjdoWi — Richard Smith (@Richard_ezio) April 16, 2024 × Sleepy Don fell asleep in court. 💤 — Stephen King (@StephenKing) April 15, 2024 × If Sleepy Don is too low energy to stay awake during the first day of his criminal trial, does he even have the stamina to be President? pic.twitter.com/hrk4FC0lr0 — Christopher David (@Tazerface16) April 15, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

'So, the defence rests now?': Netizens dub Trump 'Sleepy Don' amid reports of his mid-trial courtroom nap

<p>Former US president Donald Trump, on the eve of his contentious hush money trial, has declared that he will be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday (Apr 14), the presumptive Republican presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, said, "Tomorrow morning I'll be in Criminal Court, before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Biden's henchmen "Rigging the System" against his Political Opponent, ME!"</p>

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<h2><strong>The Trump hush money trial</strong></h2>

<p>Donald Trump will face the court on Monday (Apr 15) on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-ever-trump-reposts-2018-all-caps-tweet-against-iran-following-israel-strike-711228">‘NEVER EVER…’ Trump reposts 2018 all-caps tweet against Iran following Israel strike</a></strong></p>

<p>He is accused of covering up a $130,000 payment, his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford. The payment was, allegedly, made&nbsp;in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she claims she had with Trump a decade earlier.</p>

<p>The Republican leader, as per Reuters, denies any such encounter with Daniels. He has also pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Creating history: First former US president to face criminal charges</strong></h2>

<p>Trump on Monday (Apr 15) will make history as he, a former US president, arrives in the Lower Manhattan court&nbsp;to go on trial for criminal charges.</p>

<p>Fighting the case against Trump will be Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. The case will also be a major test for DA Bragg, as it may be the only one of Trump's four criminal cases to face a jury before Election Day — November 5th.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grand-jury-indicts-donald-trump-in-historic-vote-first-us-president-to-face-criminal-charges-577479">Grand jury indicts Trump in 'historic' vote, making him first ex-US prez to face criminal charges</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump has persistently tried to delay proceedings till after the elections in all four criminal indictments. His efforts to reverse his 2020 defeat to Democrat rival Joe&nbsp;Biden and his mishandling of sensitive government documents after the end of his presidency in 2021 are some of the other cases he faces. The 2024 presidential hopeful has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US president Donald Trump, on the eve of his contentious hush money trial, has declared that he will be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country".

Former US president Donald Trump, on the eve of his contentious hush money trial, has declared that he will be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country". Taking to his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday (Apr 14), the presumptive Republican presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, said, "Tomorrow morning I'll be in Criminal Court, before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Biden's henchmen "Rigging the System" against his Political Opponent, ME!" × The Trump hush money trial Donald Trump will face the court on Monday (Apr 15) on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. Also read | ‘NEVER EVER…’ Trump reposts 2018 all-caps tweet against Iran following Israel strike He is accused of covering up a $130,000 payment, his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford. The payment was, allegedly, made in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she claims she had with Trump a decade earlier. The Republican leader, as per Reuters, denies any such encounter with Daniels. He has also pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. Creating history: First former US president to face criminal charges Trump on Monday (Apr 15) will make history as he, a former US president, arrives in the Lower Manhattan court to go on trial for criminal charges. Fighting the case against Trump will be Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. The case will also be a major test for DA Bragg, as it may be the only one of Trump's four criminal cases to face a jury before Election Day — November 5th. Also read | Grand jury indicts Trump in 'historic' vote, making him first ex-US prez to face criminal charges Trump has persistently tried to delay proceedings till after the elections in all four criminal indictments. His efforts to reverse his 2020 defeat to Democrat rival Joe Biden and his mishandling of sensitive government documents after the end of his presidency in 2021 are some of the other cases he faces. The 2024 presidential hopeful has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. (With inputs from agencies)

'I will be fighting for our country,' says Trump on eve of hush money criminal trial

<p>The historic Donald Trump hush money criminal trial has already made headlines as more than 50 potential jurors were dismissed on Monday (Apr 15) after saying they could not be impartial in judging the controversial Republican.</p>

<p>"I just couldn't do it," one prospective juror was heard saying outside the courtroom, reports Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>Unbiased jury</strong></h2>

<p>On the first day of the trial, New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over Trump's trial, told nearly 100 potential jurors that they must set aside any biases or personal attitudes including "political orientation" against the defendant Trump or the case.</p>

<p>Judge Merchan had to dismiss the potential jurors after they confessed that they could not impartially decide whether the 2024 Republican presidential candidate illegally covered up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-be-fighting-for-our-country-says-trump-on-the-eve-of-hush-money-criminal-trial-711332">'I will be fighting for our country,' says Trump on eve of hush money criminal trial</a></strong></p>

<p>At the end of the day, no jurors were selected. The process will resume on Tuesday (Apr 16).</p>

<p>Exiting the courtroom, Trump, as per AP, reiterated his "witch hunt" allegations once again.</p>

<p>"It's a scam. It’s a political witch hunt. It continues, and it continues forever," he said.</p>

<p>Previously, on his social media platform Truth Social, the presumptive Republican candidate had alleged that the criminal case would happen "before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Biden's henchmen "Rigging the System" against his Political Opponent, ME!"</p>

<p>He had also declared that he would be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Trump hush money trial</strong></h2>

<p>Donald Trump is facing the court on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels.</p>

<p>He is accused of covering up a $130,000 payment&nbsp;his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford. The payment was&nbsp;allegedly&nbsp;made&nbsp;in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she claims she had with Trump a decade earlier.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-hush--trial-violation-of-gag-order-can-lead-to-fines-jail-time-say-new-york-prosecutors-711653">Trump’s hush money trial: Violation of gag order can lead to fines, jail time, say New York prosecutors</a></strong></p>

<p>The Republican leader, as per Reuters, denies any such encounter with Daniels. He has also pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Creating history: First former US president to face criminal charges</strong></h2>

<p>Trump has made history as he, a former US president, goes on trial for criminal charges in the Lower Manhattan court.</p>

<p>Fighting the case against Trump will be Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. The case will also be a major test for DA Bragg, as it may be the only one of Trump's four criminal cases to face a jury before Election Day — November 5th.</p>

<p>Trump has persistently tried to delay proceedings till after the elections in all four criminal indictments. His efforts to reverse his 2020 defeat to Democrat rival Joe&nbsp;Biden and his mishandling of sensitive government documents after the end of his presidency in 2021 are some of the other cases he faces. The 2024 presidential hopeful has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The historic Donald Trump hush money criminal trial has already made headlines as more than 50 potential jurors were dismissed on Monday (Apr 15) after saying they could not be impartial in judging the controversial Republican.

The historic Donald Trump hush money criminal trial has already made headlines as more than 50 potential jurors were dismissed on Monday (Apr 15) after saying they could not be impartial in judging the controversial Republican. "I just couldn't do it," one prospective juror was heard saying outside the courtroom, reports Reuters. Unbiased jury On the first day of the trial, New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over Trump's trial, told nearly 100 potential jurors that they must set aside any biases or personal attitudes including "political orientation" against the defendant Trump or the case. Judge Merchan had to dismiss the potential jurors after they confessed that they could not impartially decide whether the 2024 Republican presidential candidate illegally covered up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Also read | 'I will be fighting for our country,' says Trump on eve of hush money criminal trial At the end of the day, no jurors were selected. The process will resume on Tuesday (Apr 16). Exiting the courtroom, Trump, as per AP, reiterated his "witch hunt" allegations once again. "It's a scam. It’s a political witch hunt. It continues, and it continues forever," he said. Previously, on his social media platform Truth Social, the presumptive Republican candidate had alleged that the criminal case would happen "before a totally conflicted Judge, a Corrupt Prosecutor, a Legal System in CHAOS, a State being overrun by violent crime and corruption, and Crooked Joe Biden's henchmen "Rigging the System" against his Political Opponent, ME!" He had also declared that he would be "fighting for myself but, much more importantly, I will be fighting for our Country". The Trump hush money trial Donald Trump is facing the court on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. He is accused of covering up a $130,000 payment his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Daniels, aka Stephanie Clifford. The payment was allegedly made in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she claims she had with Trump a decade earlier. Also read | Trump’s hush money trial: Violation of gag order can lead to fines, jail time, say New York prosecutors The Republican leader, as per Reuters, denies any such encounter with Daniels. He has also pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. Creating history: First former US president to face criminal charges Trump has made history as he, a former US president, goes on trial for criminal charges in the Lower Manhattan court. Fighting the case against Trump will be Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. The case will also be a major test for DA Bragg, as it may be the only one of Trump's four criminal cases to face a jury before Election Day — November 5th. Trump has persistently tried to delay proceedings till after the elections in all four criminal indictments. His efforts to reverse his 2020 defeat to Democrat rival Joe Biden and his mishandling of sensitive government documents after the end of his presidency in 2021 are some of the other cases he faces. The 2024 presidential hopeful has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump hush money case: No jury selected on day 1 as potential jurors confess to bias against the Republican

<p>Former United States President and Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump, on Saturday (Apr 13) once again attacked his former lawyer Michael Cohen despite a gag order in the case that prohibits him from making public statements about witnesses. The case on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels is set to go to trial on April 15.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Disgraced attorney’</strong></h2>

<p>In a series of posts, on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called Cohen – one of the likely witnesses in the upcoming trial – a “disgraced attorney and felon” and questioned how he hasn’t been “prosecuted for LYING.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Only TRUMP people get prosecuted by this Judge and these thugs!”. Notably, Cohen is expected to be a key witness for the prosecution in the upcoming trial which will begin on Monday with the jury selection.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-hush-money-case-judge-declines-to-delay-historic-trial-over-complaints-of-publicity-710748">Trump’s hush money case: Judge declines to delay historic trial over complaints of publicity</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump, 77, is set to become the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges. The series of posts on Truth Social also came a day after the Republican frontrunner faced a string of defeats in various courts to delay the beginning of the trial.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gag order against Trump</strong></h2>

<p>The recent posts test the limits of the gag order against the former president which bars him from making public statements about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and their family members, but not Judge Juan Merchan or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In March, Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, imposed a gag order on Trump on the prosecutors’ request to block him from speaking about the witnesses. A month later, the judge extended the order to cover his own family members and those of the Manhattan DA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday, at a campaign rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, Trump reiterated his claims that he was a victim of political persecution and called the trial a “communist show”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “I will be forced to sit fully gagged. I’m not allowed to talk. They want to take away my constitutional right to talk.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, brought by Bragg, a Democrat, which includes charges of accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-hush-money-trial-judge-delays-trumps-historic-criminal-trial-after-last-minute-evidence-704190">Stormy Daniels hush money case: Trump’s historic criminal trial set for April 15</a></strong></p>

<p>Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges that he violated campaign finance law through the payment to Daniels. Trump’s ex-lawyer said that the former president had ordered him to make the payment and then arranged for him to be reimbursed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Trump has pleaded not guilty and has denied having sex with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the former president called both Cohen and Daniels – both of whom are likely to be prosecution witnesses in the upcoming trial – “sleaze bags.”</p>

<p>Cohen, on Saturday, took to X and said “when does enough become enough and the petulant man child gets a timeout in lockup for his bad behavior?”. He also said that Trump should be sanctioned for the “sleaze bag” comment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States President and Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump, on Saturday (Apr 13) once again attacked his former lawyer Michael Cohen despite a gag order in the case that prohibits him from making public statements about witnesses.

Former United States President and Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump, on Saturday (Apr 13) once again attacked his former lawyer Michael Cohen despite a gag order in the case that prohibits him from making public statements about witnesses. The case on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels is set to go to trial on April 15. ‘Disgraced attorney’ In a series of posts, on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called Cohen – one of the likely witnesses in the upcoming trial – a “disgraced attorney and felon” and questioned how he hasn’t been “prosecuted for LYING.” He added, “Only TRUMP people get prosecuted by this Judge and these thugs!”. Notably, Cohen is expected to be a key witness for the prosecution in the upcoming trial which will begin on Monday with the jury selection. Also Read | Trump’s hush money case: Judge declines to delay historic trial over complaints of publicity Trump, 77, is set to become the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges. The series of posts on Truth Social also came a day after the Republican frontrunner faced a string of defeats in various courts to delay the beginning of the trial. Gag order against Trump The recent posts test the limits of the gag order against the former president which bars him from making public statements about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and their family members, but not Judge Juan Merchan or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. In March, Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, imposed a gag order on Trump on the prosecutors’ request to block him from speaking about the witnesses. A month later, the judge extended the order to cover his own family members and those of the Manhattan DA. On Saturday, at a campaign rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, Trump reiterated his claims that he was a victim of political persecution and called the trial a “communist show”. He added, “I will be forced to sit fully gagged. I’m not allowed to talk. They want to take away my constitutional right to talk.” Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, brought by Bragg, a Democrat, which includes charges of accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Also Read | Stormy Daniels hush money case: Trump’s historic criminal trial set for April 15 Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges that he violated campaign finance law through the payment to Daniels. Trump’s ex-lawyer said that the former president had ordered him to make the payment and then arranged for him to be reimbursed. Meanwhile, Trump has pleaded not guilty and has denied having sex with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. Earlier this week, the former president called both Cohen and Daniels – both of whom are likely to be prosecution witnesses in the upcoming trial – “sleaze bags.” Cohen, on Saturday, took to X and said “when does enough become enough and the petulant man child gets a timeout in lockup for his bad behavior?”. He also said that Trump should be sanctioned for the “sleaze bag” comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump lashes out at ex-lawyer Cohen ahead of hush money trial despite gag order

<p>A New York judge on Monday (April 8) denied Donald Trump's bid to delay his April 15 criminal trial on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development came after a half an hour hearing at&nbsp;the Appellate Division in Manhattan following which&nbsp;Associate Justice Lizbeth Gonzalez issued her decision.</p>

<p>A lawyer for Donald Trump, Emil Bove, said that his client was seeking to stay the case pending the application to move the trial. The prosecution retorted that&nbsp;Trump waited too long to object to being tried in Manhattan. The charges were brought in April 2023.</p>

<p>Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate who looks set to challenge&nbsp;Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov&nbsp;5 US election, has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump hush money trial will start April 15, judge rules</strong></p>

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<p>It was not specified where exactly Trump's team would like the trial to be held.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence claimed&nbsp;that a survey taken by Trump's legal team of residents in&nbsp;Manhattan found that 61 per cent&nbsp;of respondents thought Trump was guilty, and 70 per cent had a negative opinion of him.</p>

<p>"There is real potential prejudice here to moving forward," Bove said. "Jury selection cannot proceed in a fair manner starting next week in this county."</p>

<p>The prosecution claimed that&nbsp;Trump cannot cite media attention as a reason to move the trial.</p>

<p>"He himself has been responsible for stoking that publicity," the prosecution said.</p>

<p>A criminal trial would be the first for a former US president in American history.</p>

<h2><strong>Donald Trump hush money case: What is it about?</strong></h2>

<p>Donald Trump is accused of covering up his former lawyer Michael Cohen's $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she said she had with Trump a decade earlier.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-stormy-daniels-the-porn-star-who-could-send-trump-to-jail-574948">Explained: Who is Stormy Daniels, the ex-porn star behind Trump hush money case trial?</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump has denied any such encounter with Daniels.</p>

<p>The hush money case&nbsp;is one of four criminal cases he faces.</p>

<p>The others are about&nbsp;his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden, and his handling of sensitive government documents after leaving the presidency in 2021. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A New York judge on Monday (April 8) denied Donald Trump's bid to delay his April 15 criminal trial on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.

A New York judge on Monday (April 8) denied Donald Trump's bid to delay his April 15 criminal trial on charges related to paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels. The development came after a half an hour hearing at the Appellate Division in Manhattan following which Associate Justice Lizbeth Gonzalez issued her decision. A lawyer for Donald Trump, Emil Bove, said that his client was seeking to stay the case pending the application to move the trial. The prosecution retorted that Trump waited too long to object to being tried in Manhattan. The charges were brought in April 2023. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate who looks set to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov 5 US election, has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records. Also watch | Donald Trump hush money trial will start April 15, judge rules × It was not specified where exactly Trump's team would like the trial to be held. The defence claimed that a survey taken by Trump's legal team of residents in Manhattan found that 61 per cent of respondents thought Trump was guilty, and 70 per cent had a negative opinion of him. "There is real potential prejudice here to moving forward," Bove said. "Jury selection cannot proceed in a fair manner starting next week in this county." The prosecution claimed that Trump cannot cite media attention as a reason to move the trial. "He himself has been responsible for stoking that publicity," the prosecution said. A criminal trial would be the first for a former US president in American history. Donald Trump hush money case: What is it about? Donald Trump is accused of covering up his former lawyer Michael Cohen's $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence before the 2016 presidential election about a sexual encounter she said she had with Trump a decade earlier. Also read | Explained: Who is Stormy Daniels, the ex-porn star behind Trump hush money case trial? Trump has denied any such encounter with Daniels. The hush money case is one of four criminal cases he faces. The others are about his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Biden, and his handling of sensitive government documents after leaving the presidency in 2021. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial in major courtroom setback

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump’s criminal trial on charges stemming from hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels will now begin on April 15, said the judge on Monday (Mar 25) after rejecting the claims of&nbsp;prosecutorial misconduct made by the defence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump, 77, is set to become the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, Judge Juan Manuel Merchan had agreed to a 30-day delay, starting Mar 15&nbsp;after Trump’s lawyers complained that they only recently received more than 100,000 pages of documents from a previous federal investigation into the matter.</p>

<p>Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche also argued that it is unfair for the former president to stand trial while he is running for office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He shouldn’t have to sit for a trial now because (prosecutors) chose to bring this case a year ago and not three years ago,” Blanche said after Merchan had set the new date.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-hush-money-case-new-york-judge-sets-march-25-date-for-historic-trump-criminal-trial-690678">Stormy Daniels hush money case: New York judge sets March 25 date for historic criminal trial of Trump</a></strong></p>

<p>The Republican presidential hopeful would&nbsp;be convicted or cleared before the November 5 election where he is running against incumbent Joe Biden, assuming that the mid-April date holds.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a court hearing on Monday (Mar 25), Merchan&nbsp;bristled at what he suggested were baseless claims by the Trump legal team of "prosecutorial misconduct," reported the Associated Press.</p>

<p>Prosecutors have said only a handful of those newly released records were relevant to the case. However, the defence has argued that&nbsp;thousands of pages are potentially important and require a review.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump “will not suffer any prejudice” and the prosecutors who turned it over were not at fault, said the judge.&nbsp;Merchan also noted that the allegations of&nbsp;prosecutorial misconduct that the defence is making are "incredibly serious."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-agrees-to-block-collection-of-trumps-454-million-civil-fraud-judgment-704144">US court reduces Trump’s $454mn civil fraud ruling bond to $175mn, pauses seizure of assets</a></strong></p>

<p>"You’re accusing the Manhattan district attorney’s office and the people involved in this case of prosecutorial misconduct and of trying to make me complicit in it. And you don’t have a single cite to support that position," said the judge, as quoted by AP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The selection of the jury, which was supposed to begin on March 25, is&nbsp;also delayed.</p>

<h2><strong>About the case</strong></h2>

<p>The 77-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat which includes charges of accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to the adult film star ahead of the 2016 presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecutors have also accused Trump of illegally covering up remittances to his long-time lawyer, Michael Cohen to reimburse him for payments about the Republican frontrunner’s alleged extramarital sexual relations with Daniels and a Playboy model.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former United States president Donald Trump’s criminal trial on charges stemming from hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels will now begin on April 15, said the judge on Monday (Mar 25) after rejecting the claims of prosecutorial misconduct made by the defence.

Former United States president Donald Trump’s criminal trial on charges stemming from hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels will now begin on April 15, said the judge on Monday (Mar 25) after rejecting the claims of prosecutorial misconduct made by the defence. Trump, 77, is set to become the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges. What happened? Earlier this month, Judge Juan Manuel Merchan had agreed to a 30-day delay, starting Mar 15 after Trump’s lawyers complained that they only recently received more than 100,000 pages of documents from a previous federal investigation into the matter. Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche also argued that it is unfair for the former president to stand trial while he is running for office. “He shouldn’t have to sit for a trial now because (prosecutors) chose to bring this case a year ago and not three years ago,” Blanche said after Merchan had set the new date. Also Read | Stormy Daniels hush money case: New York judge sets March 25 date for historic criminal trial of Trump The Republican presidential hopeful would be convicted or cleared before the November 5 election where he is running against incumbent Joe Biden, assuming that the mid-April date holds. At a court hearing on Monday (Mar 25), Merchan bristled at what he suggested were baseless claims by the Trump legal team of "prosecutorial misconduct," reported the Associated Press. Prosecutors have said only a handful of those newly released records were relevant to the case. However, the defence has argued that thousands of pages are potentially important and require a review. Trump “will not suffer any prejudice” and the prosecutors who turned it over were not at fault, said the judge. Merchan also noted that the allegations of prosecutorial misconduct that the defence is making are "incredibly serious." Also Read | US court reduces Trump’s $454mn civil fraud ruling bond to $175mn, pauses seizure of assets "You’re accusing the Manhattan district attorney’s office and the people involved in this case of prosecutorial misconduct and of trying to make me complicit in it. And you don’t have a single cite to support that position," said the judge, as quoted by AP. The selection of the jury, which was supposed to begin on March 25, is also delayed. About the case The 77-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat which includes charges of accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to the adult film star ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The prosecutors have also accused Trump of illegally covering up remittances to his long-time lawyer, Michael Cohen to reimburse him for payments about the Republican frontrunner’s alleged extramarital sexual relations with Daniels and a Playboy model. (With inputs from agencies)

Stormy Daniels hush money case: Trump’s historic criminal trial set for April 15

<p>Former porn star Stephanie Clifford, widely known as Stormy Daniels, is back to share her riveting account of the 2018 scandal involving former President Donald Trump that rocked the political world. In a new documentary released on Peacock titled Stormy, the actress-turned-director delves deep into the tumultuous aftermath of her revelation about a sexual encounter with Trump before the 2016 presidential election. Here are seven jaw-dropping revelations made in the documentary, shedding light on the enduring repercussions of her decision to speak out:</p>

<p><strong>1. Motivation Behind 60 Minutes Interview&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Stormy Daniels' decision to speak out on 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper was not driven by financial gain. Despite the massive media attention following the interview, Daniels did not receive any financial compensation. She deliberately chose 60 Minutes for its non-commercial format to dispel accusations of seeking fame and fortune.</p>

<p><strong>2. Real Fear of Retribution</strong></p>

<p>Daniels faced a barrage of death threats and harassment following her public disclosure. She documented instances of being targeted at her home and on the streets. The documentary revealed that one person even shot her horse with a rubber bullet in hopes of drawing her out and another nearly caused a car accident while her young daughter was in the car with her. Daniels feared for her life so she recorded a last will and testament due to concerns of potential harm by political partisans.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-jewish-celebs-issue-letter-denouncing-zone-of-interests-jonathan-glazers-oscars-speech-701685">Jewish celebs issue letter denouncing Zone of Interest's Jonathan Glazer's Oscars speech</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>3. Betrayal by Attorney Michael Avenatti</strong></p>

<p>The documentary captures the fallout between Daniels and her hush money case attorney, Michael Avenatti, who filed a defamation suit against Trump without her consent. Daniels expressed shock upon learning about the lawsuit through social media and later discovered Avenatti's misappropriation of her book tour earnings. &nbsp;“He betrayed me in every way,” Daniels said. “It’s really heartbreaking and upsetting.”</p>

<p><strong>4. Apology Letter from Avenatti</strong></p>

<p>Avenatti's apology letter to Daniels, received after his conviction for fraud and identity theft, was met with scepticism. Daniels read the letter aloud in the documentary, annotating it with pointed remarks highlighting his betrayal and deceit.</p>

<p>"Dear Stormy, I write to apologise to you for my actions and conduct over the last three years and especially the last three months. I’ve had a significant amount of time to reflect on my life — ['cause you in prison, b****'] our friendship and my legal representation of you. It is obvious that I failed you in many respects and that I disappointed and let you down in multiple ways. I’ve tried my best to serve you in many ways as a friend, confidant, and advisor. I made myself available to you 24/7 and in my support to you. But along the way, I know that I failed. I wish that we could turn back the clock — ['so that I’d be better at stealing from you?'] — turn back the clock so that the mistakes I made would never be repeated. I am truly sorry. Michael," the letter said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-winner-david-seidler-dies-while-fly-fishing-during-new-zealand-trip-701502">Oscar winner David Seidler dies while fly-fishing during New Zealand trip</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>5. Personal Trauma</strong></p>

<p>In the documentary, Daniels also opened up about her traumatic childhood experiences, including sexual abuse at the age of nine. “He’s dead [now]. It was sad. Because I wanted to kill him. I never told anyone, ever,” Daniels said.</p>

<p><strong>6. Public Fight's Affect on Her Marriage</strong></p>

<p>Viewers witnessed the intimate moments of Daniels' strained marriage and eventual separation from her husband amidst public scrutiny. Despite attempts at reconciliation, Daniels couldn't save her then-nine-year-long marriage to her former husband Glen Crain.</p>

<p><strong>7. Unexpected Ally</strong></p>

<p>Amidst the turmoil, Daniels found an unlikely ally in Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, who expressed genuine concern for her safety following Trump's indictment in 2023 for the hush money scandal.</p>


Former porn star Stephanie Clifford, widely known as Stormy Daniels, is back to share her riveting account of the 2018 scandal involving former President Donald Trump that rocked the political world.

Former porn star Stephanie Clifford, widely known as Stormy Daniels, is back to share her riveting account of the 2018 scandal involving former President Donald Trump that rocked the political world. In a new documentary released on Peacock titled Stormy, the actress-turned-director delves deep into the tumultuous aftermath of her revelation about a sexual encounter with Trump before the 2016 presidential election. Here are seven jaw-dropping revelations made in the documentary, shedding light on the enduring repercussions of her decision to speak out: 1. Motivation Behind 60 Minutes Interview Stormy Daniels' decision to speak out on 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper was not driven by financial gain. Despite the massive media attention following the interview, Daniels did not receive any financial compensation. She deliberately chose 60 Minutes for its non-commercial format to dispel accusations of seeking fame and fortune. 2. Real Fear of Retribution Daniels faced a barrage of death threats and harassment following her public disclosure. She documented instances of being targeted at her home and on the streets. The documentary revealed that one person even shot her horse with a rubber bullet in hopes of drawing her out and another nearly caused a car accident while her young daughter was in the car with her. Daniels feared for her life so she recorded a last will and testament due to concerns of potential harm by political partisans. Also read: Jewish celebs issue letter denouncing Zone of Interest's Jonathan Glazer's Oscars speech 3. Betrayal by Attorney Michael Avenatti The documentary captures the fallout between Daniels and her hush money case attorney, Michael Avenatti, who filed a defamation suit against Trump without her consent. Daniels expressed shock upon learning about the lawsuit through social media and later discovered Avenatti's misappropriation of her book tour earnings. “He betrayed me in every way,” Daniels said. “It’s really heartbreaking and upsetting.” 4. Apology Letter from Avenatti Avenatti's apology letter to Daniels, received after his conviction for fraud and identity theft, was met with scepticism. Daniels read the letter aloud in the documentary, annotating it with pointed remarks highlighting his betrayal and deceit. "Dear Stormy, I write to apologise to you for my actions and conduct over the last three years and especially the last three months. I’ve had a significant amount of time to reflect on my life — ['cause you in prison, b****'] our friendship and my legal representation of you. It is obvious that I failed you in many respects and that I disappointed and let you down in multiple ways. I’ve tried my best to serve you in many ways as a friend, confidant, and advisor. I made myself available to you 24/7 and in my support to you. But along the way, I know that I failed. I wish that we could turn back the clock — ['so that I’d be better at stealing from you?'] — turn back the clock so that the mistakes I made would never be repeated. I am truly sorry. Michael," the letter said. Also read: Oscar winner David Seidler dies while fly-fishing during New Zealand trip 5. Personal Trauma In the documentary, Daniels also opened up about her traumatic childhood experiences, including sexual abuse at the age of nine. “He’s dead [now]. It was sad. Because I wanted to kill him. I never told anyone, ever,” Daniels said. 6. Public Fight's Affect on Her Marriage Viewers witnessed the intimate moments of Daniels' strained marriage and eventual separation from her husband amidst public scrutiny. Despite attempts at reconciliation, Daniels couldn't save her then-nine-year-long marriage to her former husband Glen Crain. 7. Unexpected Ally Amidst the turmoil, Daniels found an unlikely ally in Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, who expressed genuine concern for her safety following Trump's indictment in 2023 for the hush money scandal.

Stormy documentary: 7 jaw-dropping revelations made by porn star about Donald Trump scandal

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear former President Donald Trump claim of immunity from criminal prosecution as the Republican front runner facing allegations of overturning the 2020 Presidential elections.

US: SC hold Trump's Federal Election trial, Supreme Court to hear arguments in April

Trump aims to tighten his grip on the GOP nomination with Michigan win. Here's where his delegate count stands. Former President Donald Trump is looking to continue his march to the Republican presidential nomination with a win in the Michigan GOP primary on Tuesday.

Trump seeks to tighten grip on GOP nomination

Donald Trump’s attorneys said late Thursday that the former president should never have been charged in Florida with illegally retaining classified materials because he designated them as personal documents before leaving office — and thus should be shielded from prosecution by presidential immunity.

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A jury in New York ordered former US president and 2024 candidate Donald Trump on Friday to pay $83.3 million to compensate the writer E. Jean Carroll whom he was found to have sexually assaulted and defamed.

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US: Donald Trump's trial reaches its climax after clashes with the judge

US: Trump's trial reaches its climax after clashes with the judge

Maine’s top election official disqualifies Donald Trump from the state ballot in next year's u.S. Presidential primary election. Shenna bellows cites the 14th amendment's 'insurrection' clause for Trump's role in the january 6, 2021 attack on capitol hill.

Donald Trump blocked from Maine presidential ballot in 2024

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Donald Trump has scored a victory in his fight against challenges to his eligibility to run for the White House again when Michigan's top court declined to hear a case seeking to disqualify him from the state's presidential primary ballot.

Donald Trump wins Michigan state court battle to qualify for primary election ballot

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidgwhupJ6ROzt2" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Former pornstar Stormy Daniels is open to spending time with US President Joe Biden's troubled son Hunter Biden. Daniels, who has had previous run-ins with the first family, said the first son sounds like a 'blast' if she's ever invited to the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has previously claimed that she and former president Donald Trump had a fling in 2006.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If I was invited, I wouldn’t say no — but would anybody? I mean, I want to check out the White House,” Daniels was quoted as saying by Page Six.</p>

<p>“But no, I don’t know anybody in there. I’ve had no communications. Although, oh God, here I go again, I’m going to get myself in trouble, Hunter seems like he’d be fun to party with!”</p>

<p>Daniels wanting to spend time with Hunter comes a couple of weeks after the Department of Justice filed fresh criminal charges against the latter.</p>

<p>As per an indictment filed in US District Court in Central California, Hunter was charged with three felony and six misdemeanour tax offences. If convicted, he would face up to 17 years in prison.</p>

<p>"The Defendant engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019," the indictment read.</p>

<p>However, Daniels stuck for Hunter saying anyone in his position would have done the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Everybody’s like, ‘Oh my God, he didn’t pay his taxes, he used [his money] on hookers and blow.’ I’m like, ‘Like you wouldn’t do the exact same thing if you thought you could get away with it,'” she said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/stormy-daniels-says-donald-trump-shouldnt-go-to-jail-in-hush-money-case-579942"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Stormy Daniels says Donald Trump shouldn't go to jail in Hush money case</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/stormy-daniels-says-donald-trump-shouldnt-go-to-jail-in-hush-money-case-579942/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Stormy Daniels hush-money case</strong></h2>

<p>Trump is accused of having sex with Daniels right after ex-first lady Melania Trump gave birth to their son Barron.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump is alleged to have falsified records to conceal reimbursements to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen for a $130,000 payment to Daniels to silence her about their alleged sexual encounters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case and maintains that he did not have an affair with Daniels.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-shushes-reporter-throws-his-phone-and-kicks-him-out-of-plane-report-588532" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Trump shushes reporter, throws his phone and kicks him out of plane: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>At the time the alleged affair happened, Daniels was an established adult entertainment actress and a director. She even had several awards to her name.</p>

<p>The criminal trial for Trump is scheduled for March 25, 2024, when he will be in the middle of his presidential campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former pornstar Stormy Daniels is open to spending time with US President Joe Biden's troubled son Hunter Biden. Daniels, who has had previous run-ins with the first family, said the first son sounds like a 'blast' if she's ever invited to the White House.

Former pornstar Stormy Daniels is open to spending time with US President Joe Biden's troubled son Hunter Biden. Daniels, who has had previous run-ins with the first family, said the first son sounds like a 'blast' if she's ever invited to the White House. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has previously claimed that she and former president Donald Trump had a fling in 2006. “If I was invited, I wouldn’t say no — but would anybody? I mean, I want to check out the White House,” Daniels was quoted as saying by Page Six. “But no, I don’t know anybody in there. I’ve had no communications. Although, oh God, here I go again, I’m going to get myself in trouble, Hunter seems like he’d be fun to party with!” Daniels wanting to spend time with Hunter comes a couple of weeks after the Department of Justice filed fresh criminal charges against the latter. As per an indictment filed in US District Court in Central California, Hunter was charged with three felony and six misdemeanour tax offences. If convicted, he would face up to 17 years in prison. "The Defendant engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019," the indictment read. However, Daniels stuck for Hunter saying anyone in his position would have done the same. “Everybody’s like, ‘Oh my God, he didn’t pay his taxes, he used [his money] on hookers and blow.’ I’m like, ‘Like you wouldn’t do the exact same thing if you thought you could get away with it,'” she said. WATCH | Stormy Daniels says Donald Trump shouldn't go to jail in Hush money case Stormy Daniels hush-money case Trump is accused of having sex with Daniels right after ex-first lady Melania Trump gave birth to their son Barron. Trump is alleged to have falsified records to conceal reimbursements to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen for a $130,000 payment to Daniels to silence her about their alleged sexual encounters. Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case and maintains that he did not have an affair with Daniels. ALSO READ | Trump shushes reporter, throws his phone and kicks him out of plane: Report At the time the alleged affair happened, Daniels was an established adult entertainment actress and a director. She even had several awards to her name. The criminal trial for Trump is scheduled for March 25, 2024, when he will be in the middle of his presidential campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

After Trump, ex-porn star Stormy Daniels wants to party with Hunter Biden: 'He'll be fun'

A former lawyer for Donald Trump, has pleaded guilty in a case related to election subversion in Georgia.

US: Trump’s second lawyer pleads guilty to poll fraud case

Presidential candidates are already gearing up for the upcoming U.S. elections. The two candidates stealing the spotlight are President Biden and Former President Trump. Many candidates have dirt on their hands. It will be interesting to see who steals the lead in the race to the top seat. Listen in to @VikramChandra

The US 2024 Presidential election race

As Republican frontrunner Donald Trump skips first debate of 2024 US election season, candidates face off in Wisconsin.

Republican debate: Highlights as GOP candidates face off

The first of Donald Trump's co-defendants in Georgia's criminal case accusing the former U.S. president and his associates of subverting his 2020 election loss surrendered at an Atlanta jail on Tuesday, according to county records and a statement.

First Trump allies in presidential election subversion case surrender in Georgia

First Trump allies in Georgia election subversion case surrender

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