Former President Donald Trump is facing trial over alleged hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. This unprecedented case marks the first time prosecutors have brought criminal charges against a former U.S. president before a jury.

The trial, set to last six weeks, kicked off with both sides presenting their opening statements. Prosecutors focused on the accusation that Trump paid hush money to Daniels to silence her during the 2016 presidential race, where Trump faced off against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Daniels has claimed a sexual encounter with Trump, which he denies. The prosecution argues that Trump orchestrated a criminal scheme to influence the election, covering it up by falsifying business records.

In contrast, Trump’s defense maintains his innocence, portraying his actions as an attempt to protect his family from a smear campaign. Trump’s lawyer emphasized that Trump did not commit any crimes and criticized the prosecution’s narrative as untrue. They heavily criticized Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, who facilitated the payments to Daniels, describing him as a “criminal” seeking personal revenge against Trump.

The trial began after a week of jury selection, which ended in a tragic incident outside the courthouse where a man set himself ablaze and later died from his injuries. The prosecution’s first witness was David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer, who prosecutors claim was involved in a “catch and kill” agreement with Trump to bury negative stories about him.

Both Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen are expected to testify in the trial. However, the question remains whether Trump himself will take the stand, despite the advice of many legal experts against it due to potential risks.

Before heading to court, Trump urged his supporters via his Truth Social platform to “peacefully protest” outside courthouses. Despite his call, only a small number of supporters and protesters have been present during the trial’s initial days.

This trial in New York is just one of several legal battles Trump is facing. In Georgia, he faces state charges related to the 2020 election, while federal cases in Florida and Washington, D.C., involve allegations of mishandling classified documents and attempts to overturn election results.

The charges against Trump in New York were announced in April 2023, marking the first time a current or former U.S. president has been criminally indicted. With the trial underway, all eyes are on the courtroom as this historic case unfolds.