Trump denounces hush money case as 'political witch hunt'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Apr 2024 21:20

The trial, unfolding in a Manhattan court with Trump present, marks a pivotal moment in the midst of his campaign to reclaim the White House in the upcoming November election.

Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump looks on at Manhattan criminal court during his trial in New York, on Monday, April 22, 2024. (AP)

In a historic trial that commenced Monday, prosecutors delivered their opening statements, alleging that former US President Donald Trump was involved in a "criminal conspiracy" and subsequent cover-up related to a pre-election hush money payment in 2016.

The trial, unfolding in a Manhattan court with Trump present, marks a pivotal moment in the midst of his campaign to reclaim the White House in the upcoming November election.

Lead prosecutor Matthew Colangelo told jurors that the case revolves around a "criminal conspiracy and a cover-up," setting the tone for what promises to be a closely watched legal showdown.

Meanwhile, Trump vehemently denounced the charges against him as an act of "election interference" designed to undermine his bid for the presidency in 2024.

Speaking to reporters outside the New York courthouse, Trump characterized the hush money case as a political ploy aimed at tarnishing his reputation and impeding his electoral prospects.

He voiced suspicions of collusion between the judge and Washington's political establishment, branding the proceedings as a partisan witch-hunt.

🚨TRUMP: “These are all Biden trials. These are done as election interference, everyone knows it—This is a witch hunt.” pic.twitter.com/O8ngZ3q3Jt
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 22, 2024

"This is done as election interference, everybody knows it," Trump told reporters while stressing that the case was contrived to disadvantage him vis-à-vis his political rival, incumbent President Joe Biden.

Trump adamantly declared that the trial and its surrounding circumstances should never have transpired, portraying himself as a victim of unjust persecution.

Trump previously pleaded not guilty to all 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with the alleged hush money payments intended to silence adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The trial's unfolding proceedings are expected to delve into the intricacies of Trump's financial dealings and his conduct prior to the 2016 election.