Criminal Trial for Trump on NY Hush Money Case

Donald Trump's hush-money trial, potentially the first-ever criminal trial against a former president, is set to begin on March 25. The trial, which could be the first against a former president, charges Trump of falsifying business records to cover up payments to women. Trump has denied any crime and claims the charges are politically motivated.

The trial, which has received less attention, could sideline Trump's campaign during the primary season. Trump claims the cases are being waged by Democratic opponents, but prosecutors argue he faces the same legal standards as anyone else.

At the hearing to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from office, the lead prosecutor chosen by Willis to head the Georgia election manipulation case has started testifying. In an attempt to disqualify Willis, defense lawyers are attempting to show that she hired Wade while they were dating and that she afterwards profited financially from the connection by receiving gifts and trips that were partially funded by taxpayer money Wade got from the case.
Despite acknowledging in court documents that he and Willis had a personal relationship, Wade and Willis have both denied any wrongdoing. Furthermore, the district attorney has maintained that her office should be allowed to continue prosecuting Donald Trump and his allies despite their ties.

Wade was able to testify when Judge Scott McAfee granted his request to overrule the state's attempt to revoke the subpoena for his testimony. After another witness cast doubt on Willis and Wade's account of the start of their love relationship, the court decided to let the defense team interrogate Wade.

News Source: NBC News