If convicted, would Trump run out of ways into the White House?
Former US President Donald Trump faces dozens of felony charges related to paying to silence porn star Stormy Daniels.
Why is Trump in court?
Gag money is not illegal. However, Trump is accused of falsifying business records to hide bad information that could harm the campaign, allegedly an election interference.
According to multiple legal experts, this is the weakest of the 4 criminal cases Trump has faced, involving efforts to overturn the 2024 election results and keep classified documents.
Thanks to Trump's successful legal delay tactics, the gag trial may be the only one to take place before the presidential election in November
Although Trump enjoys the right to a presumption of innocence, the former president is showing signs of growing agitation at the prospect of the trial and the humiliation it brings, to a man once the most powerful man in America and the world.
According to analysts, if Trump had to choose one of 4 cases to close before the election, it would be this case, although that did not stop him from attacking the trial and prosecutors and judges
Is Trump going to jail?
At the trial in New York, Trump's fate will be in the hands of 12 anonymous citizens whom he will not be allowed to bully, persuade or politicize. If the former president is convicted of more than one count, it is likely that U.S. District Judge Juan M. Merchan will impose a concurrent sentence in which Trump will serve his entire prison term at once. However, the judge can also sentence him to probation.
However, many legal experts believe that, because of his first offense, Trump will not face prison time, according to CNN.
Moreover, if convicted, Trump will undoubtedly appeal, and the process could take months or longer. In other words, the appeal is unlikely to be resolved before Election Day and Trump will remain free until the appeal is heard
It's not thrilling yet
The New York trial, as well as others, raises the common question: Is the president of the United States accountable to the law like every other citizen or is he above the law?
"This payment was made to deprive voters of essential information, therefore this information was concealed for the purpose of influencing the election.... It's an allegation of deceiving voters to stay in power," said Norm Eisen, CNN's legal analyst.
On the other side, Trump's team both defended and sought to advance immunity for Trump in the U.S. Supreme Court. It is likely that Trump's side will attack the testimony of witnesses including porn star Daniels.
The trial could benefit Trump
When Trump was indicted more than a year ago for allegedly paying to silence Daniels, it even fueled his campaign. Trump has moved ahead of his rivals in the race for the Republican nomination for the White House.
Some analysts and political strategists said the historic trial, when a former U.S. president was tried for the first time, could once again boost Trump's presidential campaign. According to Reuters news agency, Trump is using the trial to rally voter support and campaign funding.
If the jury can't reach a conclusion or find him not guilty, it would be a major political victory for Trump.
"For supporters, Trump has created a situation that cannot be lost. He will say the conviction would be further evidence that the underground government and justice system are working against him. And if he is acquitted, he can claim victory," said American law professor Rick Hasen
