Good day, everyone. Im Andrea Mitchell in new york along with my colleague and friend, Chris Jansing, as history is being made in that Lower Manhattan courtroom. Donald trump is the first former president of the United States to stand as a defendant in a criminal trial. At any moment, could be facing the first witness to testify against him. Thats expected to be former National Enquirer publisher, david pecker. Hes likely to be pressed about alleged efforts to bury damaging stories about donald trump during the 2016 election. Earlier this morning, prosecutors gave their open statement, accusing mr. Trump of a criminal conspiracy to hide embarrassing relationships by preventing them from getting into the press, thus influencing the outcome of the 2016 election then covering it all up. The defense followed saying that mr. Trump did not commit any crimes, describing him as not just the republican nominee, but as the frugal business man, also a husband and a father. Defense lawyer todd bla
To everybody at nbc who made it possible for me to get into the courtroom. I realize its a hot ticket and its privilege to cover something this historic. I will say just in terms of the vibe in the room, what you have heard about it being kind of a dingy courtroom is real. Its not necessarily important in terms of the way the wheels of justice grind. It is striking to see the former president , somebody who has tried to embody the Luxury Brand sitting in a room that essentially feels like a highsealing dmv office. Lots of pris presence. Very intense atmosphere, very sober atmosphere. Two very different styles of presentation. The prosecution was reserved. Prosecute erma thank You Colangelo who made the Opening Statement read from prepared remarks are very cogent presentation