‘This case is nonsense’: Donald Trump’s rant as historic trial begins The first ever criminal trial of a US President has begun with Donald Trump visibly angry at proceedings but also asking favours of the judge. April 16, 2024 - 8:13AM
AmericaHefty sentence after Alec Baldwin film deathPM leads condemnation of Iranian attacksChilling update in Slender Man stabbingFormer US President Donald Trump has ranted – and reportedly even nodded off – in a New York courthouse as the first day of his historic trial kicked off.
The 77-year-old is accused of falsifying business records in a scheme to cover up an alleged extramarital sexual encounter with adult film actor Stormy Daniels to shield his 2016 election campaign from a last-minute upheaval.
Due to it being a criminal trial, Mr Trump will have to attend every day the court is in session. It could last eight weeks. It means that for the next few months, Mr Trump will realistically only be able to campaign for the presidency on weekends and Wednesdays, when the court doesn't sit.
“Good morning Mr Trump,” Judge Juan Merchan said to the defendant in the courtroom, where the Republican sat with hunched shoulders and a stern expression.
He warned Mr Trump – as every defendant is warned – that if he interrupted proceedings he could be jailed while the case takes place.
“Trump appears to be sleeping. His head keeps dropping down and his mouth goes slack,” wrote one reporter.
He then “apparently jolted back awake,” and discovered some notes his lawyer had passed to him.
