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Prosecutors, Defense Make Their Opening Arguments In Trump’s First Criminal Trial

by Josh Kovensky

04.22.24 | 12:44 pm

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Former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, flanked by lawyer Todd ... Former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, flanked by lawyer Todd Blanche (R) arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court to attend his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs in New York, on April 22, 2024. Donald Trump's unprecedented criminal trial is set for opening statements after final jury selection ended Friday, leaving the Republican presidential candidate facing weeks of hostile testimony that will overshadow his White House campaign. (Photo by Victor J. Blue / POOL / AFP) (Photo by VICTOR J. BLUE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) MORE LESS

What to know

Jury selection wrapped up last week, with twelve jurors and six alternates selected over the course of four days. Read TPM's wrap article on jury selection here.
Prosecutors with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office and defense attorneys for Donald Trump will each give opening arguments Monday.
Judge Juan Merchan suggested Friday that there was a possibility the jury will hear from some witnesses on Monday as well.
Monday's proceedings may wrap up earlier than last week's to allow those involved with the trial to observe the beginning of Passover.
TPM's Josh Kovensky will be following opening arguments live from the courthouse.

Follow along with us below as we cover the first criminal trial of a former U.S. President.

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Josh Kovensky is an investigative reporter for Talking Points Memo, based in New York. He previously worked for the Kyiv Post in Ukraine, covering politics, business, and corruption there.

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Alvin Bragg Donald Trump

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Notable Replies

ClutchCargo says:

April 22, 2024

Defense opening:

“My client is being treated so unfairly by Crooked Joe Biden’s corrupt DoJ. The End.”

ETA: Cat on a skateboard:
davidn says:

April 22, 2024

Another chilly day, cold building, I guess justice is a dish best served cold.
srfromgr says:

April 22, 2024

7SdKish640×552 39.9 KB

Can’t comment here much today but will be watching with bated breath.
benthere says:

April 22, 2024

It’s just too rich that the first witness is named Pecker! This comedy writes itself!
bcgister says:

April 22, 2024

benthere:

It’s just too rich that the first witness is named Pecker! This comedy writes itself!

For the cheap shot: Is there any chance we can add a Johnson to the witness list?
After all, we have a prick as the defendant.