Judge Juan Merchan handed down a fine of $9,000 to Donald Trump for violating the judge’s gag order in the New York hush money trial. The judge warned that further violations could result in imprisonment, highlighting the gravity of the trial. Jurors heard from Keith Davidson, the attorney who negotiated the hush money agreements with Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, detailing his interactions with Michael Cohen in the final days of the 2016 campaign.
Davidson testified that a tabloid editor believed Daniels’ story could be detrimental to Trump’s presidential aspirations in October 2016. Instead, a $130,000 hush money deal was negotiated with Cohen on Daniels’ behalf, leading her to remain silent before the 2016 election. The judge fined Trump for multiple violations of the gag order, with additional violations cited by prosecutors. A hearing has been scheduled to address these violations, and the judge warned of the possibility of imprisonment for willful violations.
Davidson, the lawyer representing McDougal and Daniels, recounted his conversations with American Media Inc.’s chief content officer and the negotiation of the hush money deals. He described the contracts drawn up with Cohen and the delays in payment, providing insights into the dealings. Testimony also included lighter moments, such as the use of pseudonyms in the contracts and humorous exchanges with Cohen during negotiations.
Cohen’s former banker, Gary Farro, provided details about Cohen’s bank activity surrounding the payment to Daniels. It was revealed that Cohen quickly opened an account for a shell company and wired the money to Daniels’ attorney. Farro testified that Cohen often handled urgent matters, and all of his accounts with the bank were eventually closed after news of the hush money payment became public. Video clips of Trump speaking at public events were entered into evidence, showcasing his denial of allegations from women who accused him of sexual assault in the aftermath of the “Access Hollywood” tape release.
Overall, the trial brought to light the intricate details of the hush money agreements and the negotiations involved. The judge’s strict enforcement of the gag order and warnings of potential imprisonment underscored the seriousness of the case. Testimonies from key figures involved in the agreements shed light on the behind-the-scenes dealings and interactions with Cohen. With ongoing violations of the gag order, the trial continues to unfold with potential repercussions for Trump and others involved. The evidence presented, including bank records and video clips, painted a picture of the events leading up to the hush money payments and their aftermath.
