Former President Donald Trump's trial in New York City over an alleged hush money scheme is set to begin on Monday, putting his legal troubles in direct collision with his 2024 White House campaign. Despite spending four days a week in court for the next several weeks, Trump's campaign is determined to sustain enthusiasm among supporters through virtual appearances, in-person campaign stops on weekends, and leveraging media attention on the proceedings.

The Trump campaign's national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, accused President Joe Biden and the Democrats of trying to confine Trump to the courtroom, labeling it a "failing election interference strategy." Leavitt added, "President Trump will continue to fight for truth in the courtroom and to share his winning message on the campaign trail."

Trump's trial in Manhattan focuses on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to reimbursements to his former fixer, Michael Cohen, who paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 just before the 2016 election to keep quiet about an alleged affair with Trump, which he denies. The former president denies any wrongdoing and frames the case as a partisan attack led by Democratic District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Despite the trial, Trump's aides remain confident in his campaign for the White House. They have already planned to maximize his time on the trail by taking advantage of off days from court on Wednesdays and during weekends. Trump's ability to dominate media attention during trials has proven successful in the past, with his lead in the GOP primary expanding after facing indictments last year.

A Trump campaign official highlighted the opportunity to drive Trump's message as a victim of a politically motivated case while capitalizing on the intense media coverage. The official stated, "Every time the president is in court, all of the focus is on him and the message he's driving."

Trump and his campaign plan to criticize District Attorney Alvin Bragg's decision to bring the case amidst a rise in violent crime in New York City. The former president has repeatedly emphasized incidents of violent clashes involving migrants to highlight what he considers a failure in leadership regarding public safety.

However, polls suggest that the trial may have long-term consequences for Trump if he is found guilty. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 64 percent of surveyed voters viewed the hush money charges as at least "somewhat serious," while a Politico/Ipsos poll suggested that 50 percent of respondents believe Trump is guilty in the Manhattan case. Additionally, 36 percent of independents indicated that a conviction in the case would make them less likely to support Trump.

While the trial poses challenges, it also provides an opportunity for the White House and Biden campaign to draw a contrast. President Biden will be free to travel and visit battleground states, allowing him to engage with voters while Trump is confined to the courtroom. Trump's team intends to highlight Biden's travel schedule and emphasize policy differences between the two candidates.

As Trump prepares to face the trial, his campaign remains committed to his message, asserting that he is the strongest candidate to lead the country. Whether the trial will prove to be a hindrance or an opportunity for Trump's 2024 campaign remains to be seen as the legal proceedings unfold.