Trump NY Criminal Trial: Opening Statements Day!
The first official day of Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York is officially over - early, due to Passover and an alternate juror having a dental emergency. Although a short day, they covered a lot of ground.
First, the Sandoval Hearing. This is what the judge has determined is fair game if the defendant takes the stand in his or her own defense. It gives the defense an opportunity to weigh the pros and cons of having their client opened up to questioning on a variety of topics that they may not want the jury to consider. In Trump's case, a lot got in. I suspect he will not testify.
What is NOT getting in: The Access Hollywood VIDEO.
What IS getting in: The Access Hollywood TRANSCRIPT.
Also getting IN: The NYAG civil fraud ruling, NYAG civil fraud trial gag order violations, two federal juries' findings that he defamed E. Jean Carroll, details surrounding his agreement to dissolve the Trump Foundation.
The prosecution did not get everything they wanted in, but they got A LOT of fertile ground to cover if Trump testifies.
Ok, on to opening statements.
Prosecutors laid a pretty good foundation. Stayed right at the 45 minute mark, as expected.