Trump Challenges Manhattan Hush Money Case Ahead of Trial

Former President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of the hush money trial against him, arguing that the case should be barred by the statute of limitations. The trial, set to begin Monday, centers on allegations that Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about an alleged affair with Trump before the 2016 election.

Trump, referring to the case as “the Biden Manhattan Witch Hunt Case,” questioned why it wasn’t brought forward seven years ago. He and his legal team have consistently argued that the 34 felony charges he faces for falsifying business records were filed outside the five-year statute of limitations. However, the timeline for bringing criminal charges was extended by more than a year during the pandemic, and prosecutors could argue that the clock was paused whenever Trump spent extended periods living in Florida.

In addition to challenging the statute of limitations, Trump called for the removal of the gag order imposed by Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan. He argued that the order is unconstitutional and claimed, without evidence, that the trial was rigged and a result of election interference.

Judge Merchan had issued an order in March prohibiting Trump from disparaging potential witnesses, court staff, and their families, as well as the families of Merchan and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Trump has also alleged that Merchan and Bragg withheld key documents from his lawyers, leading to a delay in the trial to allow Trump’s team to review the materials.

The trial will begin with the selection of jurors on Monday to determine who can serve fairly and impartially. Bragg initiated the case in April last year, marking the first-ever criminal indictment of a current or former president. The case accuses Trump’s company of making payments to Cohen falsely labeled as “legal fees” to reimburse him for the hush money payments to Daniels. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has denied having an affair with Daniels.

Trump’s criticism of the case has extended beyond the courtroom. He has repeatedly attacked Cohen as a “disgraced attorney” and referred to him and Daniels as “sleaze bags.” Merchan expanded the gag order to include members of Trump’s family and Bragg’s after Trump criticized Merchan’s daughter on Truth Social, highlighting her role as an executive at a political consulting firm that frequently collaborates with Democrats, including Biden.