New York hush money case: Ex-US President Donald Trump to stand trial on March 25, rules judge
Reuters. This ruling paved the way for the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president. For the case, Justice Juan Merchan set a trial date of March 25 – one of four criminal prosecutions Trump faces as he pursues the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the 5 November 5 US election. Earlier, Trump has asked Merchan to toss the 34-count indictment, which charges him with falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
However, Merchan took less than 10 minutes to deny his request and confirmed the March 25 start date. ALSO READ: US Presidential polls: Russian President Putin prefers Biden's win for 2nd term over Trump, says ‘more experienced and…’ However, Trump repeated his claims that the case is politically motivated ahead of the hearing. "They wouldn't have brought this except for the fact - no way - except for the fact that I'm running for president and doing well," Reuters quoted Trump as saying in a hallway outside the courtroom.
The trial is set to start before the three other criminal cases Trump faces. By that point, Trump may have effectively wrapped up the Republican nomination. Till now, Trump has won the first four state nominating contests and opinion polls show him with a wide lead over his lone challenger, Nikki Haley.
Trump has used his frequent court dates to help raise money for his presidential campaign, though the strategy is seeing diminishing returns after he raked in millions around his first appearances last year. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. Outside the courthouse, A handful of protesters held signs denouncing
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