The hush money case involving former President Donald Trump has a timeline that spans nearly two decades, with key events coming to light during the ongoing trial in a Manhattan courtroom. The case revolves around allegations of hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal to keep their alleged affairs with Trump quiet. Here are the significant moments in the case:
In 2005, Trump marries his current wife, Melania. In 2006, McDougal alleges she had a 10-month affair with Trump, while Daniels claims they had a sexual encounter in 2006 as well.
Fast forward to 2016, just before the presidential election, when details of these alleged affairs start to surface. Cohen, Trump's fixer, arranges payments to both women to keep their stories under wraps. The payments come to light in early 2018, leading to a series of public statements and revelations.
Despite initial denials, Trump eventually acknowledges Cohen's involvement in the Daniels payment. Cohen pleads guilty to campaign-finance violations and other charges in 2018, claiming Trump directed him to make the payments. Trump, however, is not charged in connection with the investigation.
The legal saga continues as Manhattan prosecutors subpoena records related to the hush money payments, and a new grand jury is impaneled in 2023 to hear evidence about Trump's actions. In March 2023, Trump is indicted on state charges for allegedly falsifying records to conceal the nature of the payments to Cohen.
On April 4, 2023, Trump pleads not guilty and vows to fight the charges. The trial begins on April 15, 2024, marking a significant moment as Trump becomes the first former president to face criminal charges.
