Trump's "hush money" trial gets underway today. Here's what to know.

The historic criminal trial of former President Donald Trump is poised to kick off in a Manhattan courtroom Monday, when he will become the first former president in U.S. history to stand trial. "The allegations are, in substance, that Donald Trump falsified business records to conceal an agreement with others to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election. Specifically, it is alleged that Donald Trump made or caused false business records to hide the true nature of payments made to Michael Cohen, by characterizing them as payment for legal services rendered pursuant to a retainer agreement. The People allege that in fact, the payments were intended to reimburse Michael Cohen for money he paid to Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels, in the weeks before the presidential election to prevent her from publicly revealing details about a past sexual encounter with Donald Trump."

The proceedings before Judge Juan Merchan are set to move forward after Trump made multiple attempts to delay them, resulting in a string of losses that failed to derail the trial's start.

The prosecution by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stems from allegations Trump made a "hush money" payment to an adult film star in an effort to conceal damaging information about him during the 2016 election.