Donald Trump Claims U.S. Justice System Twisting Law to Block His White House Return

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has accused the American justice system of manipulating the law to prevent him from returning to the White House. According to Sky News Australia host James Morrow, Trump believes the upcoming hush money trial against him is a politically motivated "witch hunt" designed to derail his 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump has called the trial, set to begin with opening statements on Monday, a "giant witch hunt" and has lashed out at the judges and officials involved in the case. He claims they are unfairly targeting him to obstruct his path back to the presidency. Despite Trump's efforts to delay or relocate the trial, the courts have denied his requests, allowing the case to proceed in Manhattan.

The criminal trial centers around allegations that Trump falsified business records to facilitate a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment, made by Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen, was allegedly intended to prevent Daniels from publicly disclosing claims of a sexual encounter with Trump. The former president has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts related to the case.

Why this matters: As the first criminal trial against a former U.S. president, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for Trump's political future and the 2024 presidential race. The trial's proceedings and any potential testimony or evidence presented could be used by Trump's opponents to argue against his suitability for office.

Trump's legal team is fighting to prevent prosecutors from questioning him about recent legal setbacks, including a civil fraud trial and a defamation case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. The judge has yet to rule on whether these past cases can be raised if Trump chooses to testify. While Trump has expressed a desire to take the stand, he is not obligated to do so.

The jury selection process concluded on Friday, with 12 jurors and 6 alternates chosen to decide the case. Some potential jurors voiced concerns about bias and the pressure of being involved in such a high-profile trial. The judge also expanded a gag order to include some of Trump's family members in response to his attacks on the judge's adult daughter.

Key Takeaways

• Trump accuses US justice system of manipulating law to prevent his 2024 bid.
• Upcoming hush money trial against Trump seen as politically motivated "witch hunt".
• Trial centers on $130K payment to Stormy Daniels to prevent disclosure of alleged affair.
• Outcome of first criminal trial against a former US president could impact Trump's political future.
• Trump's legal team fights to prevent questioning on recent legal setbacks in the trial.