Stormy Daniels to Testify in Trump's Trial on State Criminal Charges
The adult film star Stormy Daniels announced on her podcast that she expects to testify in former President Donald Trump's upcoming trial on state criminal charges in New York.
The trial, scheduled for March 25, stems from allegations that Trump agreed to a scheme in 2016 to falsify documents while reimbursing his former lawyer for a "hush money" payment to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.
"Obviously, things have been next-level crazy, since I am set to testify in, at this point in time, March — obviously, that can change any moment — in the hush money case," Daniels said.
A spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is overseeing the prosecution, declined to comment.
Trump became the first former president ever charged with crimes when he was indicted on 34 felony falsification of business records counts by a Manhattan grand jury on March 30, 2023. It was the first of four criminal cases that would be filed against him in the ensuing months, on allegations ranging from retention of national security secrets to attempting to thwart the results of the 2020 election after his loss.
Trump Denies Allegations in Daniels Case
Attorneys for Trump did not respond to a request for comment regarding the allegations made by Daniels. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges and accused prosecutors of political motives.
Daniels, who claimed to have had an extramarital affair with Trump, met with Manhattan prosecutors last year and expressed her willingness to testify in the trial.
In 2016, Daniels received a payment of $130,000 before the presidential election to prevent her from publicly discussing her relationship with Trump. Trump has denied her claims.
Charges Related to Reimbursements
The charges against Trump are connected to reimbursements made through a limited liability company to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, who facilitated the payment to Daniels. Trump has maintained that the payments were legal and not disguised.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Feb. 15.
