Payam Javan: In a historic moment, former President Donald Trump commenced trial in a New York City courtroom, marking the first instance of a former U.S. president facing trial in such a setting. The trial centers around allegations of falsifying business payments during the 2016 campaign.

Trump, now a presumptive Republican presidential nominee, expressed defiance, labeling the trial as an assault on America and political persecution. Jury selection began with hundreds of Manhattan residents being considered. Trump criticized the trial on Truth Social, characterizing it as election interference. The charges stem from alleged hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels, which Trump denies.

Judge Merchan imposed a gag order on Trump, prohibiting comments on witnesses and jurors, which Trump has criticized as infringing on his First Amendment rights. Despite Trump’s intention to testify, former lawyer Michael Cohen and Daniels are expected to testify against him. The trial, marked by media restrictions, underscores the contentious legal battle ahead.