On April 22, the impeachment process of former President Donald Trump began in New York, with witnesses providing testimony in his trial on charges of falsifying business records and paying hush money to porn stars. The trial began on April 15, with a 12-member jury formed by the presiding judge. According to an indictment issued by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Trump is alleged to have paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels and $30,000 to Trump Tower doorman Dino Sajudin in 2016. He also transferred $150,000 to former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
David Pecker, former CEO of American Media Inc., testified that he met with Trump and Cohen in 2015 to discuss suppressing negative stories about Trump and his opponents during the election. Pecker confirmed that the National Enquirer paid McDougal for her story after Trump refused to make the deal himself. Michael Cohen, who was sentenced for financial violations related to the hush money payments, is also expected to testify.
Other potential witnesses include Allen Weisselberg, Dylan Howard, Kellyanne Conway, Hope Hicks, and even Mr. Trump himself. While Trump has expressed his willingness to testify and stated that he will tell the truth, there are risks involved in him doing so as he might face difficult questions from prosecutors. The decision on whether Mr. Trump will testify will depend on court developments as the trial continues.
