Former President Donald Trump arrived at a Manhattan court earlier today, looking noticeably weary as he began his hush-money payment trial. His demeanor suggested he was under a significant burden, reflecting the gravity of the occasion. This trial marks the commencement of Trump’s first criminal indictment, centering on accusations of illegal payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Body language expert Judi James, speaking to The Mirror, noted that Trump seemed to be exhausted by what she described as unrelenting martyrdom. Today’s proceedings started with jury selection, aiming to establish a panel capable of impartial and fair judgment under the guidance of Judge Juan Merchan.
“Having had the door fall back in his face during his first appearance in court, Trump now has both doors thrown open so that he can walk in unobstructed, wearing a moody facial expression,” explained Judi. “His stride looks heavy and his head hangs low as though he is feeling exhausted by the unrelenting martyrdom being inflicted on him.”
“His arms are at his sides and he pauses, standing suddenly to attention, before proceeding with his eyes and head still down and his jaw fallen slightly open as though he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. When he speaks there is a frown and his energy levels revive with his signature open pouting lips revealing teeth.”
Amidst ongoing legal challenges and a campaign for re-election in 2024, Trump’s physical appearance conveyed his struggles. His expression occasionally revealed a subtle display of discomfort as he maintained a particular posture, often referred to by experts as a squeezebox-hands position. Observers could detect a hint of anger in his demeanor, characterized by a slightly sneering mouth and a stern gaze, reminiscent of the expressions seen in his mug shot. Despite these challenges, Trump attempted to present himself with dignity as he entered the courtroom.
This trial is historically significant, as Trump is the first former president in US history to face such a proceeding. The case, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, revolves around allegations that Trump orchestrated an illegal payment to Stormy Daniels, aiming to suppress potentially damaging information during the 2016 presidential campaign.
“There is a micro-expression of pain at one point before he adopts his squeezebox-hands position,” Judi explained in her analysis. “The hands work inwards at first as though he is trying to control and contain the situation but then they move in and out with his palms bared as though trying to protest his innocence.”
“There are still signals of anger here: a sneering mouth at one point and then a return of the baleful eye stare from his mugshot pic,” said Judi. “Drawing himself up to full height as though wanting to muster and project a sense of dignity he turns and walks into the courtroom.”
According to Bragg, Trump’s former fixer, Michael Cohen, was responsible for a payment of $130,000 to Daniels to ensure her silence about her alleged past encounter with Trump. Cohen was said to have been reimbursed through twelve monthly payments from the Trump Organization, which misrepresented these disbursements as legal services on their records. Trump is facing 34 charges related to falsifying business records.
In his opening remarks to potential jurors, Judge Merchan is expected to outline the case’s core accusations. He will clarify that the charges involve Trump allegedly falsifying business records to obscure the true nature of the payments made to Michael Cohen. These were purported to cover legal services, while in reality, they were intended to reimburse Cohen for the payment made to Daniels just weeks before the election, aimed at preventing her from disclosing details about her alleged sexual encounter with Trump.
This marks the first of four criminal cases against Trump to reach trial as he actively campaigns to return to the presidency. Throughout, Trump has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges, denying any affair with Daniels, and asserting that the allegations are politically motivated. This trial not only tests Trump’s legal fortitude but also holds profound implications for his political future.
