Former United States President Donald Trump has returned to New York City after a day of campaigning, as court proceedings resumed in the historic criminal trial against him. The trial, taking place at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, centers around 34 felony counts of falsifying business records during the 2016 presidential race. Trump is accused of making a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels to silence her claims of an affair, which he denies.
Prosecutors aim to demonstrate that Trump intentionally sought to suppress negative stories, like Daniels’s allegations, in order to influence the outcome of the 2016 election. As the trial entered its 10th day on Thursday, new witness testimony and discussions about Trump’s alleged violations of a court-imposed gag order took center stage.
The prosecution sought further fines against Trump for violating the gag order, presenting four examples to the court. One comment about National Enquirer editor David Pecker was dismissed, but a heated exchange ensued over Trump’s statement that the jury was “95 percent Democrats.” The defense argued that the comment was protected speech, while Judge Juan Merchan expressed skepticism.
Keith Davidson, a lawyer who previously represented Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, returned for his second day of testimony. Prosecutors questioned him about alleged “catch-and-kill” schemes to suppress negative coverage of Trump during the 2016 election. Text messages between Davidson and a National Enquirer editor were displayed, revealing concerns about their activities potentially assisting Trump’s campaign.
A forensic analyst for the district attorney’s office, Douglas Daus, took the stand to authenticate recordings made by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen. The recordings captured conversations between Cohen and Trump, including discussions about the hush money payments. One recording featured Cohen mentioning the need to open a company for the transfer of information regarding David Pecker, while Trump discussed the payment amount and method.
During the proceedings, Trump’s lawyer requested that Judge Merchan review articles the former president planned to repost on social media, citing ambiguity around the gag order. However, the judge rejected the request, stating that there was no ambiguity in the order.
Trump addressed the trial on his Truth Social account, expressing frustration and claiming that the proceedings were aimed at interfering with his reelection prospects. He also responded to reports suggesting he falls asleep during the trial, denying the allegations and stating that he listens intently with his eyes closed.
1 Response
This is absolutely revolting! The fact that Donald Trump is back in New York City after a day of campaigning, while court proceedings are ongoing in his criminal trial, is a slap in the face to justice. It’s sickening to think that someone who held the highest office in the country could be involved in such a scandalous trial. The audacity and lack of respect for the legal system is truly appalling. It’s a disgrace to see him gallivanting around, campaigning as if he