The second week of testimony in Donald Trump’s hush money trial featured crucial witnesses, including a California lawyer and a longtime adviser to the former president. Jurors heard a 2016 recording of Trump discussing a plan to buy a Playboy model’s silence. Trump was fined for violating a judge’s gag order, with additional sanctions possible. Hope Hicks, a former Trump confidant, detailed the impact of the release of the “Access Hollywood” recording during the 2016 campaign, overshadowing Hurricane Matthew in the news cycle. Hicks also asked Michael Cohen to investigate rumors of additional damaging recordings in the aftermath.
One element of Trump’s defense emerged when his lawyer suggested he might have been a victim of extortion by lawyer Keith Davidson, who negotiated hush money deals for Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Davidson acknowledged being involved in settlements with celebrities like Charlie Sheen and facing an FBI investigation for attempting to extort Hulk Hogan. The prosecution’s key witness, Cohen, was not yet testified, but a recording of him briefing Trump on a plan to silence McDougal was played in court. Trump can be heard discussing the payment, establishing his knowledge of the hush money deal.
Cohen’s interactions with Davidson and Cohen’s negative characterizations surfaced in court during the past week. Davidson described a hostile call from Cohen over a blog post related to Daniels and Trump and a conversation after the 2016 election where Cohen complained about being passed over for a role in the new administration. Trump faced fines for violating the gag order, with the possibility of jail time if further violations occur. Prosecutors requested an additional penalty for more breaches of the order but indicated that they were not seeking jail at this time.
The trial’s focus on Trump’s outside-of-court comments and his responses to witnesses and criticism raised concerns about bias and disruptions. Trump’s attorneys argued for leeway for him to respond to criticism, given his status as a presidential candidate and continuous media coverage. Judge Juan M. Merchan indicated the possibility of jail as a consequence for continued violations but stated that no one desired that outcome. Prosecutors suggested that future violations would be addressed based on the court’s decision regarding the fines imposed on Trump. The trial continues with the potential for more revelations and legal challenges.
