Jury selection is set to start as Donald J. Trump faces charges he faked business records to cover up a sex scandal before winning the presidency. The judge declined Mr. Trump’s request to recuse himself.
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Prosecutors are now seeking to introduce evidence about the allegations of sexual assault against Trump that came out after the Access Hollywood tape. Prosectors aired clips of Trump denying the allegations at rallies to argue that it shows Trump was concerned about losing support among female voters, reports CNN.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass clarified that prosecutors are seeking to admit the fact there were three women who came forward with allegations of sexual assault — not the articles where the allegations were made.
It is the first ever criminal trial of a former US president and comes as he tries to reclaim the White House.
Trump was indicted last spring for falsifying business records to hide payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to cover up alleged extramarital affairs.
He became the first former US president to be indicted.
Trump has been indicted in a total of four separate cases. He has proclaimed innocence in all the cases and made repeated attempts to delay his first trial, claiming his political rivals are trying to interfere with the election.
The trial started at 9:30 a.m., local time, with jury selection. It is expected to take about two months for a verdict to be delivered.