The former president was indicted in March 2023 on 34 counts of falsifying business records, reportedly to cover up “hush money” payments to adult film star and alleged Trump mistress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 general election. The 77-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Jury selection for the trial commenced on Monday, with Trump’s lawyers requesting that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee miss proceedings on May 17 so he can attend Barron’s high school graduation ceremony.
Although New York Judge Juan Merchan denied Trump’s request to skip court to attend a Supreme Court hearing on his presidential immunity claims, he has yet to rule on the graduation request.
Merchan said the decision was dependent on whether or not the trial is running on schedule. However, he confirmed that the business mogul could face arrest if he fails to show, with Trump calling the judge “pure evil” on Truth Social.
After news broke that Trump might miss his son’s graduation, a video of Barron went viral on social media. Beginning with a baby photo, the clip shows Trump’s youngest child through the years.
