The trial of former United States President Donald Trump has officially begun in New York.
It’s happening in a courthouse, where there have been some disagreements about the evidence and other issues. These disagreements caused some delays, and even Trump seemed bored at times.
This trial is expected to last six to eight weeks. The jury selection process, which started on Monday, could take two weeks or longer. Trump, who is also running for president again, is required to attend the trial.
The case centers on accusations that Trump falsified business records at his real estate company. It’s said he did this to hide a payment made to a porn star before the 2016 election¹. This payment, often called “hush money,” was meant to stop voters from seeing negative stories about Trump¹.
The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, brought charges against Trump last year. Trump denies any wrongdoing and claims the case is part of a Democratic effort to keep him out of the White House¹.
Trump also faces three other criminal cases. Two accuse him of trying to overturn the 2020 election results after losing to Joe Biden¹.
The judge has ordered Trump not to talk publicly about prosecutors, witnesses, jurors, or the judge’s family. This is to keep them safe.
The trial is getting a lot of attention from the media and the public. Journalists from around the world and regular people have gathered outside the courthouse¹. It’s seen as an important moment in American politics¹.