Donald Trump's first criminal trial has captured the attention of the media and the public alike. The former president is seeking maximum coverage of the proceedings, with his campaign reporting a significant fundraising boost in response to the trial.
Trump's surrogates have been actively defending him on various media platforms, turning the trial into a high-stakes audition for potential vice presidential contenders. However, the focus of the trial seems to be on portraying Trump as a playboy and womanizer, a fact that many find unsurprising given his public persona.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is leading the prosecution, aiming to shed light on Trump's motivations behind hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. The trial has drawn global media attention, with reporters stationed outside the courthouse to provide updates on the proceedings.
Despite Trump's vocal denouncement of the trial as a sham and claims of election interference, the judge has proceeded with jury selection. The process has been marred by potential jurors expressing strong biases for or against Trump, leading to several dismissals.
Key rulings by the judge include barring certain salacious details from being presented as evidence, such as past allegations against Trump by women and the infamous 'Access Hollywood' tape. However, witnesses like Karen McDougal, a Playboy playmate involved in a catch-and-kill case, have been allowed to testify.
As the trial progresses, tensions have risen in the courtroom, with Trump's interactions with jurors drawing scrutiny from the judge. Despite the early focus on jury selection, the trial promises to be a lengthy and contentious legal battle that will continue to attract intense media coverage.
