According to a text by Fabien Deglise
These days, EVERY media is talking about Donald Trump. For what ? This is the first time that a former American president has undergone a criminal trial. Aces explain this news to you in four questions.
What is Donald Trump accused of?
Donald Trump is accused of having falsified important documents. That means he would have modified them… or disguised them as other documents! But why ? In 2016, Donald Trump allegedly offered a woman $170,000 to buy her silence. He allegedly asked her not to reveal that the two had had a sexual relationship while he was married.
At the time, Trump was hoping to be elected president, and he reportedly feared the venture would damage his reputation. He is therefore accused of having modified the documents which prove this exchange, which is a criminal act.
Who decides ?
It is a group of 12 citizens, called a jury, which will determine whether Donald Trump is guilty or not of having falsified these documents.
In this trial, the identity of these people is hidden to protect them. What we know is that the jury is made up of seven men and five women and that they don’t really have an opinion on Donald Trump. This is important, because they cannot base their decision on their emotions. Only the evidence presented during the trial counts! They will all have to agree on the verdict: guilty or not guilty.
What does Trump think?
Since the beginning of this story, Donald Trump has told a completely different version of the facts. According to him, he is the victim of a political crime, of a plot to harm him, organized by his rivals.
In November 2024, Americans will elect their president. They will have the choice between Joe Biden (the current president) and Donald Trump. It’s pretty special, since these elections are taking place very close to Donald Trump’s trial. Never seen ! The conclusion of the trial could influence his popularity rating.
Is he at risk of going to prison?
People who are convicted of this type of crime can spend up to four years in prison, but it is not automatic. And since Donald Trump is a candidate in the next elections, that makes it all very complicated. So we don’t know. He could also have to pay a large fine. That remains to be seen !
Camille Lopez, Collaborator
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