Morning Joe [6AM] 4/20/2024 | 🅼🆂🅽🅱️🅲 BREAKING NEWS Today April 20, 2024

Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York City continues with the jury selection process. The former president is accused of falsifying business records to hide payments made to an adult film actress prior to the 2016 election. The trial has been high-profile, with many potential jurors dismissed due to their inability to be fair. The judge has made Trump's attendance at the trial mandatory, and the selection of a jury is a meticulous process. Outside the courtroom, Trump criticizes the timing of the trial, while his legal team successfully prevents the infamous Access Hollywood tape from being shown to the jury. The trial's political implications are significant, with discussions on how it might affect the upcoming election and the perception of Trump's candidacy. Additionally, there are concerns about the Middle East tensions following Iran's drone and missile attack, and the potential impact on foreign policy and aid within the United States.

Takeaways

• 📢 The high-profile criminal trial of former President Donald Trump commenced in New York City, with the judge dismissing nearly half of the prospective jurors on the first day.
• 🏛️ Trump is accused of falsifying internal business records to hide evidence of payments made to an adult film actress just days before the 2016 election, an allegation he denies.
• 🤝 The jury selection process is rigorous and meticulous, aiming to ensure a fair trial despite many potential jurors having strong preconceived opinions about Trump.
• 🚫 Trump's attendance at the trial is mandatory, as the judge warned that a warrant will be issued for his arrest if he fails to appear.
• 🎥 The judge barred prosecutors from playing the infamous Access Hollywood tape for the jury, though they can reference what Trump said in it.
• 📉 Trump Media & Technology Group's stock price has fallen significantly, raising questions about its future and potential impact on Trump's financial resources.
• 🤔 There's speculation about whether Trump will testify in his own defense during the trial, with legal analysts suggesting it could be detrimental to his case.
• 🔥 The trial brings back into focus various controversies and allegations from Trump's time in office, including his alleged affairs and the Stormy Daniels case.
• 🌐 The global political landscape is also affected, with tensions rising in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
• 💡 The trial highlights the importance of the jury system and the challenges in achieving a fair and unbiased trial, especially in high-profile cases.

Q & A

What is the significance of the trial involving Donald Trump mentioned in the transcript?

The trial is significant as it involves Donald Trump, a former president of the United States, who is accused of falsifying his internal business records to hide evidence of payments made to an adult film actress just days before the 2016 election. This is an unprecedented situation and could be one of the most high-profile cases in history.

Why did the judge dismiss nearly half of the perspective jurors on the first day of the trial?

The judge dismissed nearly half of the perspective jurors because many of them raised their hands signaling that they could not be fair. This is part of the process to ensure an impartial jury.

What is the allegation against Donald Trump in this case?

Donald Trump is alleged to have falsified his internal business records to conceal the fact that he paid off an adult film actress to stay silent about an alleged affair, just days before the 2016 presidential election.

What is the role of the judge in the jury selection process?

The judge's role in the jury selection process is to ensure a fair and meticulous procedure. They oversee the questioning of potential jurors, decide on challenges for cause, and manage any legal disputes that arise during the selection.

Why is Donald Trump's attendance at the trial mandatory according to the judge?

The judge has made Donald Trump's attendance at the trial mandatory because he is the defendant in a criminal case. If he fails to appear, the judge has warned that a warrant for his arrest will be issued.

What is the significance of the 'Access Hollywood' tape in this context?

The 'Access Hollywood' tape is mentioned as an infamous recording that the judge has barred prosecutors from playing for the jury. However, they can reference what was said in the tape, which could be related to Donald Trump's public image and the allegations against him.

What is the potential impact of this trial on Donald Trump's political career?

The trial could have a significant impact on Donald Trump's political career as it brings back into the public eye allegations of misconduct and potential criminal behavior. This could affect his public support and political ambitions, especially if the trial reveals more damaging information.

What is the current status of jury selection in the trial?

Jury selection is ongoing and is expected to be a lengthy process. As of the time of the transcript, nine jurors have been questioned, and the process is anticipated to take potentially up to two weeks or more to complete.

Why is there a discussion about the potential for Donald Trump to testify?

There is a discussion about the potential for Donald Trump to testify because the defense team is considering their strategy. A stand-of-fall hearing is mentioned, which would inform Trump and his defense about what cross-examination could look like if he decides to testify.

What is the general public's perception of Donald Trump's behavior in the courtroom as depicted in the transcript?

The transcript suggests that Donald Trump's behavior in the courtroom, including sighing, rolling his eyes, and potentially falling asleep, could be perceived negatively by the jury and the public. Such behavior might be seen as disrespectful or disinterested, which could influence public opinion and the jury's perception of him.

What is the current state of Donald Trump's social media company, Truth Social, in terms of its stock performance?

Truth Social's stock price has experienced a significant drop, falling 18% in a single day and a total of more than 60% since its peak. This has led to a loss of over $3 billion from Trump's majority stake in the company.

Outlines

00:00

🚨 High-Profile Trial Begins: Trump's Jury Selection in New York

The first day of the criminal trial for former President Donald Trump commences in New York City with the dismissal of nearly half of the prospective jurors. Trump faces allegations of falsifying business records to conceal payments to an adult film actress prior to the 2016 election, which he denies. The trial is expected to be one of the most closely watched in history, with a thorough and meticulous jury vetting process underway. The judge has made Trump's attendance at the trial mandatory, and there are discussions about whether he will be allowed to miss a day for his son's high school graduation. The defense team has secured a win by barring the prosecution from showing the infamous 'Access Hollywood' tape to the jury, although references to it are permitted.

05:02

🎙️ Media and Political Ramifications of Trump's Criminal Trial

The second paragraph delves into the media and political implications of Trump's trial. It highlights the public reminder of Trump's alleged affair with Stormy Daniels and the potential impact on his image, especially among evangelical voters. There is speculation about whether the trial could work in Trump's favor by portraying him as a victim of a corrupt system, a narrative he often uses. Legal analysts discuss the likelihood of Trump testifying, noting that it could be legally unwise and that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The political strategy for President Biden is also debated, with suggestions that the White House maintain a cautious approach and avoid direct engagement with the trial.

10:04

📉 Trump Media's Stock Plunge Amidst Ongoing Trial

The third paragraph discusses the financial struggles of Trump Media, which plans to issue more stock, leading to a significant drop in its share price. Analysts debate whether the stock is a classic investment or more akin to a 'meme stock' that may be used to funnel money to Trump's campaigns. The company's intention to become a streaming media outlet with family-friendly programming is also mentioned, but skepticism is expressed about its potential success.

15:05

🛡️ Jury Selection Intensifies, Trump's Defense Strategy

The fourth paragraph focuses on the ongoing jury selection process in Trump's trial. It details the dismissal of potential jurors who express strong opinions about Trump and outlines the process of selecting a jury, emphasizing the need for impartiality. The paragraph also highlights Trump's defense strategy, questioning the legitimacy of his indictment over the legal expense marked for payments made to Michael Cohen. The potential timeline for the trial is discussed, with estimates ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months for the selection process.

20:06

:-O Trump's Courtroom Behavior and Its Impact on the Trial

The fifth paragraph examines Donald Trump's behavior in the courtroom, including his non-verbal cues and interactions with his lawyers. It discusses how such behavior could influence the jury's perception and potentially harm his case. The paragraph also touches on the possibility of Trump being held in contempt due to his social media activities during the trial and the political ramifications for the judge who might have to enforce a gag order.

25:08

💥 Middle East Tensions Rise Following Iranian Attack

The sixth paragraph shifts focus to geopolitical tensions, particularly the Middle East's response to an Iranian attack. It discusses Israel's potential retaliation against Iran's drone and missile attack and the broader implications for regional stability. The paragraph also addresses the impact of these events on domestic U.S. politics, with protests in support of a ceasefire in Gaza and calls for action from the U.S. government to support Ukraine and Israel.

30:09

🗣️ Debate Over Biden Debating Trump Amidst Criminal Trials

The seventh paragraph presents a debate over whether President Biden should engage in a debate with Trump, who is currently a defendant in multiple criminal trials. It argues that Trump's indictment for crimes against the Constitution should disqualify him from participating in a presidential debate, drawing parallels with other groups known for violent crimes. The paragraph emphasizes the historical significance of the current election and the importance of upholding the Constitution.

35:27

📉 Truth Social's Struggles Reflect Trump's Legal Woes

The eighth paragraph briefly mentions the struggles of Truth Social, the social media company associated with Trump, with its share prices dropping significantly. It suggests a connection between the company's performance and Trump's ongoing legal issues, indicating potential financial repercussions for Trump's majority stake in the company.

Keywords

Criminal Charges

Criminal charges refer to accusations brought against an individual by a government alleging that the person has committed a crime. In the context of the video, former President Donald Trump is facing criminal charges related to allegations of falsifying business records to hide payments to an adult film actress. This is a significant event as it marks the first time a former U.S. president has faced such a situation.

Jury Selection

Jury selection is the process of choosing eligible individuals to serve on a jury in a trial. It is a critical component of the trial process, ensuring a fair and impartial jury. The video discusses the challenges and length of selecting a jury for a high-profile case, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the process and the potential impact on the outcome of the trial.

High-Profile Case

A high-profile case is a legal case that attracts significant media attention and public interest. The video highlights that Donald Trump's trial is likely to become one of the most high-profile cases in history due to his status as a former president and the nature of the allegations against him.

Falsifying Business Records

Falsifying business records involves intentionally making false entries or altering existing ones in a company's official documents. In the script, Trump is accused of this to conceal evidence of payments made to an adult film actress, which is a key element of the criminal case against him.

Adult Film Actress

An adult film actress is a woman who performs in adult films. The video references an adult film actress, presumably Stormy Daniels, who allegedly received a payment from Trump to stay silent about an affair just before the 2016 election, which is central to the criminal charges he faces.

Presumptive GOP Nominee

The presumptive GOP nominee is a candidate who is expected to be nominated by the Republican Party (GOP) for an upcoming election. The script mentions the presumptive GOP nominee in relation to Trump criticizing the timing of the trial, suggesting it interferes with his campaigning activities.

Radical Left Democrats

Radical Left Democrats refers to a faction within the Democratic Party perceived as advocating for more progressive and transformative policies. In the transcript, Trump accuses the Radical Left Democrats of timing the state's case to coincide with his campaign activities for political advantage.

Axis Hollywood Tape

The 'Access Hollywood' tape is a recording in which Donald Trump made controversial statements. The video mentions that the judge in the trial barred the prosecution from playing this infamous tape for the jury, although they can reference its content, indicating its relevance to the case.

Burden of Proof

The burden of proof is the responsibility to provide enough evidence to convince the jury of a defendant's guilt. In criminal cases, it is 'beyond a reasonable doubt.' The video discusses how this burden lies with the prosecution, and the defense can create a hung jury or mistrial if even one juror has a reasonable doubt.

Trump Media

Trump Media refers to the social media platform 'Truth Social' associated with Donald Trump. The video script discusses the financial performance of Trump Media, noting a significant drop in share price, which could impact the overall valuation and financial strategy of the company.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk is an entrepreneur and CEO of companies like Tesla and SpaceX. The script mentions Musk in the context of Tesla cutting 10% of its global workforce, which is a significant move reflecting potential challenges in the electric vehicle market and the company's operations.

Highlights

Judge dismissed nearly half the perspective jurors on the first day of Donald Trump's trial in New York City.

Donald Trump is accused of falsifying internal business records to hide evidence of a payoff to an adult film actress prior to the 2016 election.

200 New Yorkers have been summoned for jury duty in what is likely to become one of the most high-profile cases in history.

The judge has made Trump's attendance at trial mandatory, warning that failure to appear will result in an arrest warrant.

Trump's team won a motion barring the prosecution from playing the infamous Access Hollywood tape for the jury, though references are allowed.

Jury selection is expected to be a slow and meticulous process, with the judge emphasizing the importance of a fair trial.

Trump expressed frustration with the trial's impact on his campaign schedule, highlighting the political implications of the trial.

The trial has the potential to bring back into the news cycle various controversies involving Trump from 2016, including those related to Stormy Daniels.

Trump's defense strategy is expected to involve suspicion about other individuals involved, rather than a direct explanation from Trump himself.

The prosecution must prove both the Trump payment and the criminal intent to mislead voters, which has not yet been fully established.

The jury selection process could take up to three weeks, depending on the rate of selection and any potential actions by Trump to slow it down.

Trump's social media company, Truth Social, saw its share price fall significantly, dropping 18% in a single day and 60% from its peak.

The decline in Truth Social's share price has had substantial financial implications for Trump's majority stake in the company.

The trial's outcome could have significant ramifications for Trump's political future and the perception of his conduct among voters.

The trial has drawn intense media attention and public interest, with many viewing it as a pivotal moment in American legal and political history.

Trump's behavior in court, including signs of boredom or sarcasm, could potentially influence the jury's perception and harm his case.

The trial is taking place against a backdrop of growing tensions in the Middle East, with Israel's response to Iran's attack being closely watched.