In a Manhattan courtroom, former President Donald Trump faced a jury of 18 everyday New Yorkers as his trial commenced on Monday. Charged with 34 felony counts, Trump is accused of falsifying New York business records to hide damaging information that could have influenced the 2016 presidential election.

Judge Juan Merchan addressed the jury, emphasizing their critical role in the proceedings. Throughout the trial, Trump sat alongside his legal team, occasionally shifting in his chair and appearing engaged in the proceedings. The former president has pleaded not guilty and argued that the trial itself is a form of "election interference" that disrupts his 2024 presidential aspirations, maintaining that he simply paid his lawyer.

Merchan informed the jury that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to establish Trump's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial comes a year after a grand jury issued an indictment, marking the first time a sitting or former U.S. president has faced such charges.

The first witness to testify was David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media, the parent company of the National Enquirer. Pecker outlined the editorial structure of the magazine and confirmed his contact details, which the prosecution suggested could be pertinent to the case. Testimony from other witnesses, including Michael Cohen, Trump's former fixer, and Keith Davidson, a former lawyer for a Playboy model, is expected in the coming days.

Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo delivered the opening statement on behalf of the district attorney's team, presenting the case as one of "criminal conspiracy and cover-up." He alleged that Trump conspired with Cohen and Pecker in August 2015 to conceal damaging information, resulting in a "catch and kill" scheme to suppress potentially harmful stories before Election Day.

Colangelo detailed payments made to Karen McDougal, a Playboy Playmate who claimed to have had an affair with Trump, and how Trump sought to prevent the public disclosure of this information. The prosecutor also mentioned a recording of a phone call between Trump and Cohen discussing payments to Pecker and securing the rights to the McDougal story.

Colangelo asserted that the $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, facilitated by Cohen, was an act of election fraud. He argued that Trump aimed to withhold negative information that could have affected his electoral prospects. Colangelo previewed evidence, including text messages from National Enquirer leadership and financial records, suggesting that payments were disguised for tax purposes.

In response, Trump's defense attorney, Todd Blanche, maintained Trump's innocence, claiming that the prosecution's version of events was false. Blanche argued that Cohen, as Trump's personal attorney, handled payments and records in a lawful manner. He also contended that Trump's actions were driven by protecting his family, reputation, and brand from damaging allegations.

Blanche sought to discredit the witnesses, highlighting Cohen's history of perjury and Daniels' involvement in media projects, including a recent documentary. He reminded the jury of their role in impartially considering the evidence, promising a "very swift not-guilty verdict" if personal biases were set aside.

As the trial continues, the jury will weigh the evidence presented by both sides. The outcome of this landmark trial holds significant implications for not only Donald Trump but also the future of criminal proceedings involving former presidents.