In a Manhattan courtroom on Monday, the trial of former president Donald Trump commenced, bringing allegations of falsifying business records and a cover-up payment to porn star Stormy Daniels back into the spotlight. Trump expressed frustration over his absence from key events, including his son's graduation and upcoming Supreme Court arguments that could impact his legal battles.

The trial in Manhattan relates to Trump's alleged falsification of nearly three dozen business records, with the intention of concealing a payment made to Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of the 2016 election. Daniels, who had claimed to have had a brief sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, accused him of arranging the payment. The trial's first day saw motions and maneuvering from both the prosecution and defense, along with the commencement of jury selection, an extensive process that could take several weeks.

Trump voiced his dissatisfaction during the proceedings, lamenting his inability to attend his son's graduation and participate in Supreme Court arguments related to the Jan. 6 insurrection, which could potentially affect federal charges against him in another case. The New York Times reported that the outcome of the Jan. 6 case had the potential to undermine half of the charges in the case where Trump stands accused of conspiring to subvert the 2020 election.

Reporters present in the courtroom noted Trump's apparent exhaustion and irritation. Veteran White House correspondent Maggie Haberman observed the 77-year-old former president appearing "equal parts irritated and exhausted," occasionally nodding off during the morning session. Trump's weariness may reflect the weight of the trial and its potential to rehash unsavory incidents from his personal life.

The trial is expected to delve into controversial events such as the Access Hollywood tape, where Trump was recorded making derogatory comments about women, as well as other alleged extramarital affairs, including one with former Playboy model Karen McDougal. These disclosures and testimonies are poised to shed light on aspects of Trump's personal life that his defense team sought to suppress.

As the trial unfolds, legal analysts anticipate an intensive and lengthy process ahead. The courtroom proceedings are set to address the allegations and could have significant ramifications for Trump's legal standing.

It remains to be seen how the trial will progress and how the unfolding events will impact the image and future legal battles of the former president.