The high-profile trial of former President Donald Trump, who is accused of falsifying business records, began recently in New York, and one of his relatives has made an unusual observation.

During proceedings this week, some observers believed they saw the former president nodding off, prompting his estranged niece, Mary Trump, to suggest he may have narcolepsy, as The Hill reports.

The charges stem from a $130,000 payment that Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, allegedly made to an adult film actor to prevent details of an affair from becoming public. Trump has denied the affair and the related allegations.

The Background of the Charges

Reports suggest that the $130,000 was recorded as legal expenses, a detail that Trump attributed to his accountants. In defense, Trump remarked on his confusion about the characterization of these payments, highlighting his reliance on professional advice.

"I was paying a lawyer, and we marked it down as a legal expense -- some accountant. I didn’t know. Mark it down as a legal expense. That’s exactly what it was. And you get indicted over that?” Trump argued, expressing his dismay over the legal repercussions following the accountant's decision.

The legal implications of these alleged actions are severe, as falsifying business records could carry significant penalties, drawing extensive media coverage and public interest.

Incidents During The Trial

During one of the trial sessions, New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman noted Trump's apparent lethargy, detailing how his “mouth went slack and his head drooped onto his chest,” suggesting that he might have fallen asleep during the proceedings.

This incident prompted commentary from Trump's niece, Mary Trump, who humorously expressed her concerns about narcolepsy on The Dean Obeidallah Show on SiriusXM. “I’m a little worried that narcolepsy runs in the family,” she said.

Additionally, Mary Trump discussed the psychological strain the trial was exerting on her uncle. Being in a controlled environment where he is not the authority figure was described as particularly challenging for him.

Mary Trump’s Psychological Insights

“We can’t underestimate the extent of the depth of the narcissistic injury he is suffering,” Mary Trump mentioned, commenting on the impact of the trial’s environment on Donald Trump. Her observation highlighted the significant distress individuals under trial might experience, especially those unaccustomed to such vulnerability.

“One, he’s in a situation in which has no control, and worse, he is under the control of somebody else. There is somebody else in that room with all of the authority, and he has none. So, that’s already problematic for him,” she elaborated on the difficulties her uncle faced.

The psychological dimensions of legal battles, especially those involving high-profile figures, often provide a deeper understanding of their challenges and coping mechanisms.

Jury Selection and Trial Progress

The trial proceedings began with the selection of a jury, a process that was ongoing into the second day. The completion of this phase is critical for the trial to move forward effectively.

Both the prosecution and defense are expected to present detailed arguments, with the former aiming to prove the mischaracterization of the payment, while the latter defends the actions as routine financial practices under legal advice.

The outcome of this trial is anticipated with keen interest, as it could have significant implications for Trump's personal and political future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Donald Trump's trial involves serious allegations of falsifying business records connected to a $130,000 payment made by his former attorney, supposedly to silence claims of a past affair.

The trial has already seen moments of personal strain for Trump, highlighted by reports of him possibly dozing off and the psychological insights provided by his niece, Mary Trump.

As the jury selection continues, the trial promises to reveal more about the complexities of handling such high-profile cases.