“VERY HIGH” STAKES
Trump’s other three criminal cases – centred on his alleged hoarding of top-secret documents in Florida after he left the White House and his involvement in attempts to overturn the 2020 election — all face multiple delays.
In the New York case, Trump has repeatedly failed to secure meaningful delays and Merchan has signaled he will run the trial with a firm hand.
Last week the judge extended an existing gag order, in place to prevent Trump from attacking those involved in the trial, widening it to cover family members of the judge and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the lead prosecutor.
The expansion of the order came after Trump lashed out at Merchan and his daughter in a series of posts on Truth Social.
“The stakes are very high. Because Trump and his counsel have succeeded so far in kicking down the road the federal documents and election interference cases,” said University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias. “The hush money case may be the only case that is tried prior to the November federal elections.”
In New York, where Trump has been a fixture for decades as an entrepreneur, celebrity playboy, politician and now criminal defendant, there is little sympathy.
“I don’t know if he’ll get a fair trial, but whatever happens… he did it to himself,” said city resident Alberto Vasquez, 45.
