Week one of testimony in hush money trial, plus Supreme Court weighs immunity
Apr 27, 2024
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Law professor Kim Wehle joins to discuss the first week of trial testimonies implicating Trump in hush money payments. Supreme Court debates presidential immunity, with conservative justices leaning towards some form of immunity. Topics include David Pecker testimony and the implications for Trump's legal battles.
Prosecution presented evidence of hush money scheme to influence election, defense claims actions were political norms.
Supreme Court leaning towards granting some level of immunity for presidents, redefining presidential power limits.
Deep dives
Trial in New York Reveals Election Interference and Tabloid Practices
In a high-profile trial in New York, involving hush money payments, the prosecution presented a case suggesting a scheme to bury negative stories about Trump to influence the 2016 election. Testimony from David Pecker, the former National Enquirer publisher, detailed collusive efforts to protect Trump's image. The defense countered, framing these actions as regular tabloid practices, setting the stage for legal battles on election interference and campaign contributions.
Trump's Legal Strategy Defends Actions as Political Norms
In response to the prosecution's allegations, Trump's legal team argues that the activities in question were common in the political arena, dismissing them as part of the rough nature of politics. They emphasize the defense's message that these actions should not be deemed illegal and position them as standard practice in the political landscape, aiming to counter the criminality claims.
Supreme Court's Debate on Presidential Immunity Raises Concerns
The Supreme Court's oral arguments on presidential immunity present a conservative-leaning stance that could potentially redefine the limits of presidential power. Justices, including Gorsuch and Alito, expressed concerns over the role of prosecutors and the need to shield presidents from potential targeting. The court's deliberations suggest a broader discussion beyond Trump's specific case and a possible extension of executive authority.
This was the first week of witness testimony in former President Donald Trump's New York hush money trial. The prosecution used their witnesses to establish Trump's knowledge and involvement in hush money payments for his alleged electoral benefit. Trump's defense team cross-examined witnesses countering that framing with the idea that this is politics as usual.
Meanwhile, at the Supreme Court, justices heard oral arguments over whether Trump is immune from criminal prosecution. Although the justices seemed skeptical of granting Trump absolute immunity, it appeared the majority of the conservatives justices seemed opened to granting some sort of immunity for presidents.
Topics include: - Week one of testimony in hush money trial - David Pecker testimony - Supreme court and immunity