Trump Trial to End Early Due to Emergency Medical Situation

Jury selection concluded last week, marking the start of the first criminal trial of a former president of the United States, Donald Trump, which commenced Monday morning at approximately 9:30 as Judge Juan Merchan presided.

Opening statements in Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan were anticipated to last a little over an hour, with the prosecution’s statement slated to be nearly twice as long as the defense’s, as reported by NBC News, providing live updates on the trial's progress.

One of the updates highlighted that alternate juror 6, the last juror impaneled last week, had a dental 'emergency' and had scheduled an appointment for 3:00 in the afternoon. However, the appointment was rescheduled to 1:20, prompting Merchan to announce a recess at 12:30 to accommodate the juror's appointment.

The court was also set for a short session on Tuesday, planning to conclude at 2:00 p.m. for Passover.

Other 'live updates' from NBC noted the absence of Trump’s family members in the courtroom and observed that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the case against Trump but is not serving as lead prosecutor, was present in the gallery.

About 30 minutes after Merchan took his seat, the jury was brought in, and proceedings began.

Opening statements commenced approximately 30 minutes later, during which the judge instructed the jury.

Halfway through, NBC reported that 'Trump’s eyes are shut, and across the aisle, Bragg is catching a glimpse of the former president from his seat in the front row of the gallery.'

NBC also mentioned that 'Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels,' emphasizing his not guilty plea and denial of a relationship with Daniels.

Shortly after midnight, Trump expressed frustration with the case against him on Truth Social.

'The Corrupt Soros Funded District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, who has totally lost control of Violent Crime in New York, says that the payment of money to a lawyer, for legal services rendered, should not be referred to in a Ledger as LEGAL EXPENSE,' Trump wrote. 'What other term would be more appropriate???

'Believe it or not, this is the pretext under which I was Indicted, and that Legal Scholars and Experts CANNOT BELIEVE,' he added.

He reiterated the argument that his prosecution was politically motivated, aimed at hindering his potential White House bid in November.

'It is also the perfect Crooked Joe Biden NARRATIVE – To be STUCK in a courtroom, and not be allowed to campaign for President of the United States!' Trump remarked.

The trial is anticipated to last 'as long as eight weeks,' according to USA Today.