NEW YORK — Donald Trump made history on Monday, becoming the first former president to stand trial on criminal charges, the first of several trials he is facing amid his 2024 presidential campaign.
Judge Juan Merchan oversaw proceedings as 96 prospective jurors were brought into a New York courtroom as jury selection began.
Trump has pleaded to not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
“The name of this case is the People of the State of New York versus Donald Trump,” Merchan told the initial pool of jurors.
As the day drew to a close, Trump spoke briefly to reporters outside, calling the trial “a scam” and falsely claiming the Democrats are behind the “political witch hunt”.
“It’s a political witch hunt,” he said. “It continues, and it continues forever, and we’re not going to be given a fair job. It’s a very, very sad thing.”
Prosecutors allege then-candidate Trump took part in a scheme with his then-lawyer Michael Cohen and the publisher of the National Enquirer to suppress scandalous stories about him. The story in question surrounds adult film star Stormy Daniels, who alleged she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Trump has denied the claim, and Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 in October 2016 to keep quiet.
Merchan also warned Trump that if he fails to show up in court without any explanation, a warrant would be issued for his arrest.
