Opening statements to begin soon
Good morning, the second week of former President Donald Trump’s hush money case gets underway this morning in New York City. Opening statements are expected to begin this morning and the first witness is expected to take the stand.
First witness: The Manhattan district attorney’s office is expected to call its first witness, David Pecker, the former chairman of the National Enquirer’s parent company.
On Friday, the defense asked to be provided with the name of at least one of three witnesses who will testify this week. Prosecutors offered to provide the name of a witness testifying Monday on Sunday night, but warned that if Trump posts on social media about this witness, it will be the “last time” they extend the courtesy.
Schedule: Court begins at 9:30 am ET. Today and tomorrow are expected to wrap up early, around 2 pm ET. Court is off on Wednesdays.
Gag order hearing: Judge Juan Merchan will hold a gag order hearing tomorrow morning. The prosecution has accused Trump of violating the order 10 times.
The jury: Jury selection wrapped up on Friday, with 12 jurors and six alternates selected in four days. Here’s what we know about them.
Quick case background: Trump is facing trial for charges of allegedly falsifying business documents in connection with an alleged hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels. Last year, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump in a 34-count indictment over the alleged hush money payment, which prosecutors allege was intended to prevent Daniels from discussing her claims of having an affair with the former president.
Newsweek’s Katherine Fung is inside the courtroom, follow here for the latest updates.
