Donald Trump‘s first criminal trial is now scheduled to start on April 15.
Judge Juan Merchan set that date today, as the former president faces a series of charges related to the hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels in advance of the 2016 election. Trump’s charges have to do with claims that business records were falsified, among other things.
Merchan had earlier delayed the start date, which was supposed to be today.
According to the Associated Press, Merchan rejected the Trump team’s arguments the prosecutors engaged in misconduct by concealing records of a federal investigation. But prosecutors said that there was little new in the documents handed over recently from the Justice Department.
Trump told reporters after today’s hearing that he would appeal the decision.
The case is the first of four separate criminal indictments of Trump last year. But it’s uncertain when the other three cases will go to trial, and if that will happen before the November election.
Trump is the first former president to face criminal charges. He plead not guilty in all cases, and has claimed that the charges against him are politically motivated.
As with past hearings, cameras were not allowed into the New York proceedings, and it’s doubtful that they will once Trump’s trial starts. Merchan has rejected past media requests for greater access.
More to come.
