Photographs and Sketches Capture Historic Moments of Trump's Hush Money Trial

Nearly every day of Donald Trump’s Manhattan hush money trial, photographers have captured a grimacing Trump seated at the defense table, marking the first time a former U.S. president faces criminal charges in an American courtroom.

Capturing the Courtroom Scene

While the judge, jurors, and witnesses are not allowed to be photographed, pool photographers were granted access to shoot Trump as the proceedings began each day. These photographs revealed various aspects of Trump’s demeanor and actions, including his handwritten notes. One notable sticky note affixed to commentary he had compiled read simply, in black marker, “This case should be dismissed by the judge.”

Courtroom sketch artists and a fine artist also relayed their depictions of Trump to those outside the courtroom. Trump sometimes delivered remarks to cameras stationed in the hallway, lashing out about the charges while tightly gripping a stack of papers, with one of his defense attorneys glowering beside him. At other times, he strode past the cameras, holding his fist aloft or offering a thumbs-up.

Trump’s Public Appearances and Antagonists

Fresh from the courtroom during the first week, Trump made a campaign stop at the Sanaa Convenience Store in Harlem, where a man was stabbed to death in 2022. Photographers captured not only Trump but also his antagonists: witness Stormy Daniels, whose claims of a sexual encounter with Trump are at the center of the alleged cover-up scheme, leaving the court after testifying against him; and Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney and fixer, arriving at home after a day on the stand. Between April 15 and May 29, Getty Images tagged 12,692 images with “Donald Trump New York.”

Jury Selection and Daily Proceedings

The trial began with jury selection on April 15, drawing supporters, police, and media to the Manhattan criminal court. Trump attended the first day of his trial on charges of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments over an alleged extramarital affair. Outside, Trump’s supporters and critics swelled the square facing the courthouse, Collect Pond Park, where, as the first week of the trial came to a close, a man lit himself on fire.

Rotating Cast of Family and Surrogates

A rotating cast of family members and surrogates, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., joined Trump at court before taking to the street outside to deliver many of the attacks Trump himself was barred from making.

Photographic Timeline

- April 15: Trump attends the first day of his trial. He is the first former president ever to stand criminal trial.

- April 16: Trump returns to the courtroom and later visits Sanaa Convenience Store, a bodega in upper Manhattan.

- April 18: Trump holds press clippings and speaks to members of the media.

- April 19: Police inspectors gather evidence around Collect Pond Park, where a man set himself on fire.

- April 22: Trump returns to Trump Tower from Manhattan criminal court.

- April 23: Trump attends his trial at Manhattan criminal court.

- April 25-26: Trump is photographed during the proceedings and makes brief statements to the media.

- April 30: Trump returns to court after lunch.

- May 2-3: Trump speaks to reporters at the end of the day.

- May 9: Media cover Trump and attorney Todd Blanche as Stormy Daniels testifies.

- May 10-13: Trump continues to attend court, with Michael Cohen arriving at his home after leaving court.

- May 14: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson addresses the media outside the court.

- May 16-20: Trump continues attending court sessions.

- May 21-28: Trump supporters protest at Collect Pond Park as Trump attends closing arguments.

- May 29: Jury deliberations begin, with Trump’s handwritten note, "This case should be dismissed by the judge," captured by photographers.

Courtroom Restrictions and Photo Access

Trump was ordered to attend every day of the New York trial. The judge halted photographs of Trump beginning on May 9 after one photographer violated a rule by taking a photo of the former president from the aisle rather than in the well, the area directly in front of the judge's bench. Photo access in the well resumed a few days later and continued through the end of the trial.

Closing Arguments and Jury Deliberations

As the trial progressed to closing arguments, Trump’s presence continued to be meticulously documented. The final days saw a blend of media coverage, public protests, and ongoing legal debates. Jury deliberations began on May 29, marking a pivotal moment in the historic trial.

Media and Public Reactions

Outside the courthouse, media coverage has been extensive, capturing not only Trump but also the broader reactions from the public. Trump’s legal team has used these opportunities to address the media, often reinforcing their arguments and attacking the credibility of the charges. Public demonstrations by both supporters and detractors of Trump have been a constant presence, highlighting the polarized nature of his trial.

Impact on Trump's Public Image

The continuous media exposure of Trump's trial has had a significant impact on his public image. While his supporters view him as a victim of political persecution, his critics see the trial as a necessary step toward accountability. The visual documentation of the trial—through photographs, sketches, and media coverage—has played a crucial role in shaping public perception.

Historical Significance

This trial marks a historic moment in American judicial and political history. The meticulous documentation provides a detailed narrative of this unprecedented legal battle, capturing the tension, drama, and key moments that define this landmark case. As the jury deliberates, the nation watches closely, aware of the significant implications of the trial's outcome.

Conclusion

The extensive photographic and sketch documentation of Trump’s trial provides a vivid narrative of this unprecedented legal battle. It captures the tension, drama, and key moments that define this landmark case, offering the public a comprehensive view of the proceedings and their broader implications. The trial's conclusion will undoubtedly have far-reaching effects on the American political landscape.