Donald Trump's hush money trial: Prosecutor says former president orchestrated 'a criminal scheme to corrupt' 2016 election

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Donald Trump faces allegations of trying to corrupt the 2016 presidential election.

During the opening statements on Monday, April 22, in the high-profile hush money trial, Matthew Colangelo, a prosecutor with the Manhattan District Attorney's office remarked that the former president "orchestrated a criminal scheme to corrupt" the polls.

Inside the hush money criminal trial against Donald Trump

The charges against Trump in the hush money case stem from allegations that he falsified business records related to payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about their alleged affair before the 2016 presidential election.

Could Donald Trump go to jail in the hush money case?

The 77-year-old businessman, who faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Trump arrived at the Manhattan courthouse shortly before 9 am on Monday, April 22.

The 34 felony counts of falsifying business records is a charge that carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison. However, it remains unclear if the judge would be seeking to put Trump in jail.

A conviction in this case would not disqualify him from seeking the presidency again. However, it is a state case and he would not have the option to pardon if found guilty.

Donald Trump calls hush money trial 'a witch hunt'

Before the opening statements of the trial were set to begin on Monday morning, April 22, Trump arrived at the courthouse shortly after 9 am and criticized the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, accusing them of interfering in the electoral process.

“Everybody knows it,” he told reporters outside of court and claimed that the ongoing trial is preventing him from engaging in his election campaign activities.

Without offering any proof, Trump said, “Fortunately, the poll numbers are very good."

"They've been going up because people understand what's going on. It's a witch hunt and it's a shame. And it comes out of Washington," he added.

DA Alvin Bragg calls Donald Trump's alleged hush money deal a 'catch and kill' strategy

According to USA Today, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg claimed that Trump engaged in a "catch-and-kill" strategy through the payments to two women, Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal to prevent them from sharing their stories.

However, the criminal charges against the former president focus on the falsification of his business records.

Internet reacts to prosecutor's claim Donald Trump tried to 'corrupt' 2016 polls

After the prosecution stated that Trump tried to "corrupt" the 2016 polls, netizens weighed in on the remarks.

"If Trump orchestrated a criminal scheme, the 2016 election must have been a reality TV show gone wrong!" a user wrote on X (formerly Twitter) while another user tweeted, "We await the outcome."

"He will end up fleeing the country to avoid prison," a netizen commented and another user opined, "Why Are u guys not tired of dragging him? Donald Trump will make America great again."

"Why isn’t the Republican party filing election interference charges against Bragg and James in New York? This is clearly election interference," a user tweeted.

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