Five Moments That Have Defined Donald Trump’s Trial So Far – The New York Times

The initial six days of Donald J. Trumps criminal trial, the first for an American president, were a high-intensity spectacle.

A jury was seated, opening statements made and the first witness began testifying.

Mr. Trump, who faces up to four years behind bars if convicted, is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records for the way in which he accounted for a repayment to his former personal lawyer, Michael D. Cohen.

Mr. Cohen had channeled money to a porn star who was shopping her story of a sexual encounter with Mr. Trump. Prosecutors say the payment was meant to cover up a scandal that could have derailed Mr. Trumps 2016 presidential campaign.

All trials have set structures and formal, legal rhythms. There are meticulous exchanges and minute observations of procedure. But already, this one has also had plenty of high-stakes moments befitting the unprecedented nature of the case that is being tried.

Here are five of the most memorable things that have been said in court so far:

The judge, Juan M. Merchan, at 4:34 p.m. on Thursday signaled that the trial would soon begin in earnest.

The process of choosing a jury was intense and arduous. Many prospective jurors excused themselves before they could even be asked a standardized set of 42 questions, citing an inability to be unbiased toward such a polarizing defendant.

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Five Moments That Have Defined Donald Trump's Trial So Far - The New York Times