In a historic moment, former US President Donald Trump appeared in a New York courtroom on Monday to commence his trial over allegations of falsifying business records, marking the first time a sitting or former US president has faced criminal charges in court. The trial, which is the first of four separate criminal proceedings against Trump, coincides with his 2024 presidential campaign bid, underscoring the intersection of legal and political ramifications.

Trump's presence at the Manhattan court signaled the initiation of jury selection, a process expected to span several weeks due to the inherent political sensitivities surrounding the case. Branding the trial as an "assault on America" and "political persecution," Trump's vocal opposition set the tone for what promises to be a contentious legal battle.

The charges against Trump stem from allegations of falsifying nearly three dozen business records in an attempt to conceal a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who claims to have had a brief liaison with him in 2006. With a jury of 12 and six alternates to be chosen from a pool of hundreds of New Yorkers, the selection process is poised to be exhaustive, reflecting the gravity of the case.

Trump's dismissal of the charges as a political "witch-hunt" has been a recurring theme, with the former president leveraging the legal proceedings to rally his supporters and solicit donations amid mounting legal challenges. Emphasizing his innocence, Trump's campaign released statements framing the trial as a ploy to sway the upcoming presidential election.

Outside the courtroom, Trump seized the opportunity to castigate President Joe Biden and decry what he perceives as a biased judiciary and prosecution team. Accusing the judge and prosecutors, including Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, of partisanship, Trump reiterated his stance that the trial is a sham designed to undermine him politically.

As the trial unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the outcome, with the proceedings poised to shape not only Trump's legal fate but also the broader political landscape in the lead-up to the presidential election.