Key takeaways from opening statements in Donald Trump’s hush money trial

Donald Trump leaves Trump Tower on his way to Manhattan criminal court. Photo: Stefan Jeremiah/AP

Oliver O'Connell
© UK Independent

It’s the case that many thought might never make it to trial, and yet at 9.30am ET on Monday 22 April, twelve jurors, six alternates, two teams of attorneys, one former president, and the world’s press were in attendance as Judge Juan Merchan called the court to order.

Opening statements got under way in the case, with prosecutors laying out an election interference scheme involving “conspiracy and cover-up” while the defence argued that no crime was committed whatsoever.