Live Coverage: New York v. Donald Trump
As Donald Trump faces criminal trial, Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News delves into the jury selection process. Over 500 potential jurors are meticulously questioned about their media consumption habits, political affiliations, and biases that could sway impartiality—a thorough endeavor that may require over a month.
The episode also covers Trump's failed attempts to delay the proceedings or have the judge removed, explores the trial's focus on alleged hush money payments during his 2016 campaign, and discusses how prosecutors aim to prove these payments constituted a criminal conspiracy. Maddow and guests examine the spectacle of Trump on trial and how it might impact voter perceptions as the election looms.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Apr 16, 2024 episode of the Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News
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1-Page Summary
Trump's criminal trial begins with jury selection
The criminal trial of former President Donald Trump commences with a meticulous jury selection process involving about 500 potential jurors. Lisa Rubin and Andrew Weissmann discuss the extensive questioning of candidates about their media consumption, political donations, and potential biases that could affect their impartiality. Many individuals are dismissed for stating an inability to remain impartial, while the rest are scrutinized for any biases. The nature of the questions also delves into how Michael Cohen's public appearances might influence their views of Trump. This thorough process may extend over a month due to the detail-oriented approach taken to ensure an impartial jury.
Trump's lawyers unsuccessfully try to delay trial or have judge removed
Ari Melber reports that Trump's legal team attempts to delay the trial through several tactics, including motions to change the venue, move the trial to federal court, or dismiss charges. These attempts are unsuccessful, despite occurring during and after Trump's presidency. In addition, Trump's lawyers file a motion for the judge's recusal which is denied, marking a continuation of setbacks faced by the former president's defense team.
Trial focuses on Trump's hush money payments during 2016 campaign
The trial narrows in on the alleged hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal during Trump's 2016 campaign. Commentary from Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, and others emphasize the case's roots in Trump's direction to Michael Cohen to make these payments. The Manhattan District Attorney's office frames these payments as a criminal conspiracy, aiming to prove their intention to influence the election. Evidence and testimonies are slated to demonstrate the timing and purpose of these payments and their impact on electoral integrity.
Prosecutors say Trump's lies on expense records make up the core of the case
Prosecutors claim that the heart of the case against Trump is his company's alleged falsification of records to conceal the hush money payments. Trump and his team are accused of creating false invoices and documents, turning legitimate transactions into a series of documented lies. Wallace discusses the implications and mentions Trump's designation as a co-conspirator in federal court documents. The judiciary will scrutinize these false records as substantial proof of the conspiracy, challenging Trump and his defense to provide credible explanations for these falsifications.
Spectacle of Trump on trial may impact voters and election
The trial's spectacle could significantly affect voter perceptions and the upcoming election. Maddow suggests that the image of Trump potentially appearing sleepy during proceedings could reinforce his character issues and detract from his political campaign efforts. Evidence and testimonies are anticipated to remind voters of Trump's past indiscretions and strategies to silence women. Simultaneously, Trump's obliged subdued demeanor in court differs starkly from his typical active campaigning, drawing speculation on how it could influence his public image and voter decisions. Political commentators consider the trial to be a major distraction that underscores Trump's character flaws and could deter his support among Republican voters and independents.
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Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal during Trump's 2016 campaign were payments allegedly made to keep them silent about their alleged affairs with Donald Trump. These payments were arranged by Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who was directed by Trump to facilitate them. The purpose of these payments was to prevent these allegations from becoming public knowledge during the election, potentially influencing the outcome. The trial is focusing on the legality and intent behind these payments as part of the case against Trump.
- Michael Cohen is a former lawyer for Donald Trump who pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including campaign finance violations related to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal during the 2016 presidential campaign. Cohen's cooperation with authorities has been instrumental in shedding light on Trump's involvement in these payments and other potential legal issues. Cohen's public appearances and testimonies have been significant in implicating Trump in various legal matters, including the case being discussed in the text. Cohen's actions and statements have played a crucial role in shaping the narrative around Trump's alleged misconduct and legal troubles.
- Trump's designation as a co-conspirator in federal court documents means that he has been identified as a participant in a criminal conspiracy by the prosecutors. This designation suggests that Trump is alleged to have been involved in a scheme or plan with others to commit a crime related to the hush money payments. Being labeled a co-conspirator implies a level of culpability in the alleged illegal activities outlined in the court documents.
- Trump's demeanor during the trial could impact voter perceptions by influencing how voters view his character and behavior under legal scrutiny. If Trump appears disengaged or uncooperative, it may reinforce existing concerns about his trustworthiness and credibility. Conversely, if he presents himself as composed and respectful, it could potentially mitigate negative perceptions and project a more favorable image to voters. Ultimately, how Trump conducts himself during the trial may shape public opinion and impact his support among different voter groups.
- Trump's alleged falsification of records is significant in the case as prosecutors claim his company created false invoices and documents to conceal hush money payments. These falsifications are considered crucial evidence of a criminal conspiracy to influence the election. The prosecution aims to demonstrate how these false records were used to cover up illicit payments, implicating Trump and his team in potential criminal wrongdoing. The falsification of records forms the core of the case against Trump, challenging his defense to provide credible explanations for these actions.
Counterarguments
- The jury selection process, while thorough, may still not guarantee an entirely impartial jury due to inherent biases that are difficult to detect or eliminate.
- The questioning of potential jurors about their media consumption and political donations could be seen as invasive or potentially infringing on privacy.
- Dismissing many individuals for an inability to remain impartial might result in a jury that does not represent a cross-section of the community.
- The unsuccessful attempts by Trump's legal team to delay the trial or have the judge removed could be interpreted as standard legal strategy rather than obstruction.
- The focus on hush money payments may overshadow other significant issues or legal matters that are not part of the trial.
- The framing of the payments as a criminal conspiracy by the Manhattan District Attorney's office could be contested as a politically motivated interpretation of the events.
- The designation of Trump as a co-conspirator in federal court documents does not equate to a conviction and should not be considered as proof of guilt until adjudicated.
- The scrutiny of false records as substantial proof of conspiracy may be challenged if alternative explanations for the discrepancies are presented.
- The impact of the trial's spectacle on voter perceptions and the upcoming election could be overstated, as voters may focus on policy issues or other factors when making their decisions.
- The interpretation of Trump's demeanor in court as sleepy or subdued could be subjective and not indicative of his character or capabilities.
- The trial being considered a distraction that underscores Trump's character flaws could be seen as a biased perspective, ignoring the legal principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
- The potential deterrence of Trump's support among Republican voters and independents due to the trial could be counterbalanced by a rally-around-the-flag effect among his supporters.
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Trump's criminal trial begins with jury selection
As the high-profile criminal trial of former President Donald Trump commences, jury selection has proven to be a rigorous and highly detailed process.
Potential jurors questioned about biases and ability to remain impartial
Throughout the first day, around 500 New Yorkers turn up as potential jurors for Trump's trial, but no jurors are finalised.
Many dismissed, claiming inability to be impartial
Lisa Rubin explains that jurors are being delicately asked about political leanings without direct reference, focusing on their media consumption, rally attendance, and political contributions. They are also questioned about interactions with Michael Cohen's content, which could sway their opinions against Trump.
In line with Judge Marchand's approach, those who outright stated they couldn’t be impartial were dismissed – a group totaling about 50 individuals for that day.
Others questioned in depth about opinions on Trump and the case
Andrew Weissmann clarifies that this meticulous procedure is common in high-profile cases, as understanding a potential juror's biases is crucial. Chris Hayes also notes that a former judge on his show anticipated that jury selection could extend over a month, signifying the intricate nature of the selection process.
Jurors are being closely examined on their news consumption, such as frequently watching Fox News, to better understand their potential biases. This includes probing whether seeing Michael Cohen on TV or hearing his podcast might impact their judgment. In one telling exchange, a juror affirming that no one, not a former president nor a jan ...
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Trump's criminal trial begins with jury selection
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Michael Cohen is a former lawyer for Donald Trump who turned against him. He has been vocal about his experiences working for Trump and has shared insights through various media platforms, including TV appearances and a podcast. Given Cohen's insider perspective and criticisms of Trump, exposure to his content could potentially shape jurors' opinions about the former president during the trial.
- Judge Marchand's approach to jury selection involves delicately questioning potential jurors about their political leanings, media consumption, rally attendance, and interactions with Michael Cohen's content to assess their impartiality. Those who openly admit bias are dismissed, ensuring a fair and unbiased jury. The judge's method emphasizes thorough vetting to understand each juror's potential biases and ensure a fair trial process. This meticulous approach is common in high-profile cases to guarantee a fair trial and prevent any prejudiced individuals from serving on the jury.
- Andrew Weissmann is a former federal prosecutor known for his role in high-profile cases, including the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Chris Hayes is a journalist and host of a news program on MSNBC. In the context of the text, Weissmann provides insight into the importance of understanding potential jurors' biases in high-profile cases, while Hayes offers commentary on the jury selection proce ...
Counterarguments
- The process of questioning potential jurors about their media consumption and political activities could be seen as invasive and potentially infringe on privacy.
- Dismissing jurors who admit bias could lead to a jury composed of individuals who are less honest about their biases or who are better at concealing them.
- The focus on media consumption, such as watching Fox News, might be perceived as biased against certain news outlets or political viewpoints.
- The lengthy and detailed jury selection process could be criticized for potentially delaying justice and increasing the cost of the trial.
- The dismissal of 50 individuals for bias on the first day might raise concerns about the representativeness of the jury pool.
- The thorough vetting process, while intended to ensure impartiality, could be argued to favor certain types of jurors, such as those who are less engaged in political and social issues.
- The emphasis on impartiality might overlook the fact that complete impartiality is difficult to achieve, and that all jurors bring some form of preconceived notions to a trial.
- The extensive duration of jury selection could be seen as a burden on the potential jurors, affecting their personal and professional lives.
- The adversarial aspect of allowing b ...
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Trump's lawyers unsuccessfully try to delay trial or have judge removed
Trump and his legal team made numerous attempts to prevent or stall the judiciary process, but their efforts were unsuccessful as reported by Melber.
Judge denies requests to delay trial
The team faced a series of setbacks in court, having tried a variety of strategies to delay the trial. These included motions to delay it, move the trial venue, transfer it to federal court, or have the charges dismissed entirely. Many of these efforts took place during Trump's presidency, with Bill Barr of the U.S. Justice Department playing a notable role. Melber mentions that just within the past week, three separate attempts by Trump's lawyers to delay the trial were made and failed.
Judge denies request for recusal
Turning their attention to the judiciary ...
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Trump's lawyers unsuccessfully try to delay trial or have judge removed
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Bill Barr, the U.S. Attorney General at the time, played a notable role in the legal proceedings involving Trump. He was involved in the strategies to delay the trial and other legal maneuvers attempted by Trump's legal team. Barr's involvement added a significant dimension to the legal battles Trump faced during his presidency.
- The attempts to delay the trial by Trump's legal team were strategic moves to buy more time, potentially to gather additional evidence, prepare a stronger defense, or create distractions. Delays could also serve to impact public opinion, influence the composition of the court, or exploit legal loopholes. These tactics are common in high-profile cases to gain advantages or hinder the progress of legal proceedings.
- The judge's recusal is a legal term that means the judge voluntarily steps down from a case due to a conflict of interest or other reasons that could affect their impartiality. ...
Counterarguments
- The legal team's efforts to delay the trial could be seen as a legitimate use of legal rights and procedures to ensure a fair trial for their client.
- The involvement of Bill Barr and the U.S. Justice Department could be interpreted as part of their duty to oversee legal matters that involve the executive branch or its members.
- The repeated attempts to delay the trial might be viewed as a strategy to prepare a more robust defense or to wait for potentially favorable changes in the legal or political environment.
- The motion for the judge's recusal could be based on concerns about impartiality or conflicts of interest, which are valid conside ...
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Trial focuses on Trump's hush money payments during 2016 campaign
The trial scrutinizes Donald Trump's alleged hush money transactions during his 2016 presidential campaign, focusing particularly on payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal to suppress allegations of affairs.
Payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal to silence allegations
Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, and others discuss the case, referred to as the "hush money case," which centers on transactions aimed at preventing negative stories from surfacing. Notably, Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance violations, admitting to making hush money payments at Trump's direction. This is directly related to the funds given to Daniels and McDougal.
Details about Karen McDougal's relationship with Trump and the involvement of the National Enquirer’s parent company, AMI, in quashing these stories through strategies like "Catch and Kill" further contextualize the allegations. Here, the National Enquirer would buy the rights to a story only to prevent its publication, effectively silencing potential scandals.
Prosecutors argue payments were criminal conspiracy to influence election by concealing negative stories
The discussion then broadens to explore the implications of these actions on the democratic process. The Manhattan District Attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, is charging Trump's 2016 cover-up actions as a felony, suggesting a conspiracy that extended beyond simple reputation management. The trial's evidence includes the timing of the payments, which were allegedly made before the election to avoid voter backlash, characterizing the cover-up as part of a larger scheme to deceive the electorate.
Prosecutors have to prove that these payments were part of a conspiracy aimed at influencing the election by hiding damaging stories. With recent references to the Access Hollywood tape's admissibi ...
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Trial focuses on Trump's hush money payments during 2016 campaign
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Catch and Kill" strategies involve a media outlet purchasing the rights to a story with the intention of burying it, preventing its publication. This tactic effectively silences potential scandals by ensuring the information never reaches the public eye. In the context of the hush money payments, the National Enquirer's parent company, AMI, utilized this strategy to suppress negative stories about individuals like Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. The purchased stories are essentially "caught" and "killed" to protect the reputation of the individuals involved.
- AMI, the parent company of the National Enquirer, was involved in a practice known as "Catch and Kill." This strategy involved buying the rights to a story to prevent its publication, effectively silencing potential scandals. In the context of the hush money payments, AMI's role was to acquire stories about Trump's alleged affairs with Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal and ensure they were not made public. This tactic helped shield Trump from negative publicity during his 2016 presidential campaign.
- The Manhattan District Attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases that occur within Manhattan, New York City. Alvin Bragg is the current District Attorney for Manhattan, overseeing the legal proceedings and decisions related to cases brought before the office. The District Attorney's office plays a crucial role in investigating and pursuing charges in high-profile cases, such as the trial focusing on Trump's hush money payments during the 2016 campaign. Alvin Bragg's leadership in this context signifies his involvement in overseeing the legal actions taken against individuals accused of criminal activities within Manhattan.
- Keith Davidson is an attorney who represented Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal in negotiating payments related to their alleged affairs with Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. Davidson's involvement in these settlements tied him to the controversy sur ...
Counterarguments
- The payments could be interpreted as personal rather than campaign-related expenses, which would not necessarily constitute a violation of campaign finance laws.
- The defense might argue that there was no explicit agreement or understanding that the payments were made to influence the election, but rather to protect personal reputation and privacy.
- It could be argued that the timing of the payments close to the election was coincidental and not necessarily indicative of a deliberate attempt to influence the election.
- The defense might contend that the concept of "Catch and Kill" is a common practice in the media industry and not inherently illegal or tied to election tampering.
- There may be a lack of direct evidence linking Trump to a criminal conspiracy, relying instead on the testimony of individuals like Michael Cohen, whose credibility could be challenged.
- The defense could argue that the prosecution's interpretation of the law is overly broad and that the actions taken do not meet the legal definition of a criminal conspiracy.
- It could be argued that the focus on Trump's actions is politically motivated and that similar actions by other public figures have not received equiv ...
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Prosecutors say Trump's lies on expense records make up the core of the case
Prosecutors argue that Donald Trump and his company's scheming, involving falsified records to conceal payments, form the crux of the case against the former president.
Trump and company falsified records to hide payments
According to Rachel Maddow, Trump did not only tell lies but left evidence of those lies on official documents, indicating a deliberate attempt to deceive the government. The case focuses on how Trump worked with American Media Inc. (AMI) to pay money and suppress negative stories, a strategy that was discussed substantively in court. Moreover, Maddow highlights incidents where Trump manipulated the Justice Department and federal criminal court documents to hide information about these payments, pointing out the felonious nature of falsifying records.
Lies became a felony when used to advance conspiracy
The indictment alleges that Trump and his company turned real transactions into a series of false invoices and written lies to conceal their true nature. Receipts related to these payments are now problematic for the defendant, as prosecutors bring them to light in trial.
Although the provided content doesn't specifically state that Trump and his company falsified records to hide payments, the implications are serious. The actions surrounding the financial management of payments made to silence negative stories could be criminal—highlighted by Michael Cohen's imprisonment for his role in a similar scheme.
Wallace m ...
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Prosecutors say Trump's lies on expense records make up the core of the case
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Clarifications
- A "catch and kill scheme" typically involves a practice where negative stories or information about a person or entity are acquired by a media outlet with the intention of never publishing them, effectively burying the damaging content. This strategy is often used to protect the reputation or interests of the individual or organization involved by preventing the information from becoming public. The term "catch and kill" implies capturing (catching) the story and then suppressing (killing) its release to the public, thereby keeping damaging information from being disclosed. This tactic can be controversial and raise ethical concerns, especially when used to manipulate public perception or conceal potentially incriminating details.
- Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, was involved in facilitating payments to silence negative stories about Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations, tax evasion, and lying to Congress in 2018. He was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in the hush money scheme, which involved payments to women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump. Cohen cooperated with federal prosecutors and provided information that contributed to investigations into Trump's business dealings and activities.
- David P ...
Counterarguments
- The assertion that Trump's lies on expense records are central to the case may be challenged by the defense arguing that the records in question were handled by other employees or associates, and Trump was not directly involved in the day-to-day management of these records.
- The claim that Trump and his company falsified records to conceal payments could be countered by arguing that any inaccuracies in the records were the result of clerical errors or misunderstandings, rather than deliberate attempts to deceive.
- Regarding the transformation of real transactions into false invoices, the defense might argue that the transactions were accounted for in a manner that was consistent with common business practices and not intended to be deceptive.
- The problematic nature of the receipts could be countered by suggesting that the context of these transactions was misunderstood or misrepresented by the prosecution.
- The identification of Trump as a co-conspirator by the Bill Barr Justice Department could be criticized by pointing out that being named in a document does not equate to guilt, and that the legal process should determine the veracity of such claims.
- The argument that falsifying recor ...
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Spectacle of Trump on trial may impact voters and election
The hosts discuss the impact the courtroom spectacle of Trump on trial may have on voter perception and the upcoming U.S. election. The trial's imagery and details have the potential to reinforce Trump’s existing character issues in the public eye and distract from his campaign as he is obligated to appear in court.
Tawdry details remind voters of Trump's character issues
During a discussion hosted by Rachel Maddow, it is suggested that the image of Trump potentially falling asleep during the trial could negatively impact public perception and remind voters of his character issues. The 'Sleepy Joe' nickname that Trump used against his opponent could backfire as headlines suggest Trump himself might be the one sleeping. Maddow describes Trump as a buffoonish figure, an image that might be solidified with such incidents becoming public during the trial. The trial brings to light Trump's character issues against the backdrop of a political campaign.
Chris Hayes references the political fallout from the Access Hollywood tape, with politicians distancing themselves from Trump and indicating that the trial stemming from that period could have political and electoral consequences. Evidence showing voters repelled by the damning evidence and the ordeal of the trial suggests that many Republicans would oppose Trump if he were convicted. The trial's claims are taken seriously by the public, with polling suggesting that people are waiting for the court system to adjudicate Trump's guilt.
Jen Psaki discusses how Trump's character is revealed through the events and testimonies about the Catch and Kill operations, which may remind voters of his character issues. Lawrence O'Donnell draws parallels between Trump’s past strategies to attack political rivals with his own efforts to silence women through payouts.
Trial distracts from campaign, forces Trump to sit quietly in court each day
Lawrence O'Donnell suggests Trump will use the opportunity of walking in and out of the courtroom to campaign informally, turning the situation to his advantage. However, the trial demands Trump's quiet presence in the courtroom, a significant departure from his usual active and controlling stance. This prevents him from being on th ...
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Spectacle of Trump on trial may impact voters and election
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Catch and Kill operations typically involve a media company acquiring the rights to a story with the intention of never publishing it, effectively burying the potentially damaging information. In the context of Trump, it has been alleged that he used such tactics to suppress negative stories about himself, including allegations of extramarital affairs. This practice can shield individuals from public scrutiny by preventing damaging information from being made public. The term "Catch and Kill" highlights the strategy of capturing a story and then suppressing it from reaching the public eye.
- The Access Hollywood tape was a recording from 2005 where Donald Trump made lewd comments about women. When the tape was leaked in 2016 during the presidential campaign, it caused significant backlash and led to many politicians distancing themselves from Trump. This event highlighted concerns about Trump's character and treatment of women, impacting public perception and political support.
- The term "lazy" campaigner in this context suggests that Trump may not put in as much effort or energy into his campaign activities as expected. It implies a lack of diligence or enthusiasm in engaging with voters and promoting his political agenda during election campaigns. This characterization could indicate a perception that Trump does not fully commit to the demands and responsibilities of campaigning, potentially affecting his effectivene ...
Counterarguments
- The trial may not significantly impact Trump's core supporters, who have historically remained loyal despite various controversies.
- Some voters may see the trial as a politically motivated attack, which could potentially increase sympathy and support for Trump.
- The trial's impact on the election could be overstated, as voters may prioritize policy issues over personal character when making their decisions.
- Trump's ability to use media coverage to his advantage should not be underestimated, and he may turn the spectacle of the trial into a platform to rally his base.
- The assumption that Republicans would oppose Trump if convicted may not hold true for all, as party loyalty can sometimes override individual controversies.
- The public's interest in the trial may wane over time, reducing its potential impact on voter decisions.
- Trump's quiet presence in the courtroom could be interpreted as dignified or presidential by some, contrasting with his usual combative public persona.
- The trial could overshadow other candidates' campaigns and policy discussions, inadvertently keeping Trump in the spotlight and relevant in the po ...
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1-Page Summary- Trump's criminal trial begins with jury selection
- Trump's lawyers unsuccessfully try to delay trial or have judge removed
- Trial focuses on Trump's hush money payments during 2016 campaign
- Prosecutors say Trump's lies on expense records make up the core of the case
- Spectacle of Trump on trial may impact voters and election
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