The ongoing false bookkeeping trial of former President Donald Trump has entered its fourth week with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accusing Trump of falsifying records to cover up another crime. However, the exact nature of this other crime has not been disclosed, leaving many questioning the validity of the charges against Trump. Prosecutors speculate that Trump may have violated federal election laws by making nondisclosure payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal in 2016, which were not reported to the Federal Election Commission as campaign contributions.
One of the key witnesses for Trump’s defense, Bradley Smith, a former chairman of the FEC, has been restricted by the judge, Juan Merchan, from discussing crucial aspects of the case. Smith’s expertise in campaign finance law could have provided valuable insight into the legality of the payments made to Daniels and McDougal. However, Merchan has limited Smith’s testimony to only general background information related to the FEC and campaign contributions, excluding any discussion of previous cases or decisions by the FEC and DOJ regarding similar matters.
The defense team’s reliance on Smith’s expertise to challenge the prosecution’s case has been undermined by the judge’s restrictions, preventing Smith from providing critical information that could potentially sway the jury in Trump’s favor. This trial has not only placed Trump under a gag order but has also limited the defense’s ability to present a strong case against the charges brought forth by the prosecution.
