The former lawyer for Stormy Daniels, Keith Davidson, faced intense cross-examination in the trial of Donald Trump, where he was portrayed as an extortionist of celebrities. The judge, Juan M. Merchan, heard arguments about violations of a gag order by Trump, who was previously fined for similar breaches. Trump is accused of falsifying records to hide a payment to Ms. Daniels, which he denies. The trial marks the first time an American president is facing prosecution, potentially resulting in probation or prison if convicted.
The tenth day of the trial revealed that Trump disliked the deal with Ms. Daniels, with prosecutors presenting a recording of Michael Cohen communicating this sentiment to Keith Davidson. The cross-examination of Davidson by Trump’s legal team quickly turned hostile, with questions regarding Davidson’s credibility and professional history. Davidson maintained his answers were truthful despite frequent declarations of not recalling specific details. Trump’s lawyers attempted to shift blame onto Cohen, suggesting he was the driving force behind the hush-money payment.
The judge heard arguments about new alleged violations of the gag order by Trump before Davidson’s testimony. Prosecutors deemed Trump’s statements outside the courtroom as corrosive but were not yet seeking jail time as a consequence. Trump’s lawyer argued that he should be allowed to respond to what he perceived as political attacks without restrictions. During the trial, Trump maintained a reserved demeanor, contrasting sharply with his lively public appearances where he criticized the judge.
The prosecution called a forensic analyst to testify about the authenticity of phone records and recordings related to hush-money deals. The potential witness list for the trial includes prominent figures such as Stormy Daniels, Michael Cohen, and Hope Hicks. The trial has garnered significant attention from the public and the media, drawing large crowds to the courtroom. Moving forward, the trial is expected to continue on its regular schedule, with more witnesses testifying about the case.
As the trial progresses, the details surrounding the alleged payment to Stormy Daniels and the authenticity of records are being closely examined. The courtroom dynamics, with intense cross-examinations and arguments over gag order violations, shed light on the complexities of the case. The focus on key players like Cohen and Hicks adds to the intrigue surrounding the trial. The judge’s threats of jail time and Trump’s responses to criticisms further heighten the drama of the proceedings. With the potential for significant legal consequences, the trial of Donald Trump continues to captivate audiences and generate significant public interest.
