The first week of Donald Trump’s hush money trial has set the scene for jurors, with Manhattan prosecutors alleging an illegal scheme to influence the 2016 presidential campaign by burying negative stories. Testimony has included details of how Trump and his allies allegedly orchestrated hush money payments to silence women who claimed affairs with him. Former banker Gary Farro, who helped Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen open accounts for these payments, is set to resume testimony. These payments were used to silence porn performer Stormy Daniels, who alleged a 2006 sexual encounter with Trump.
Trump, who is campaigning in his off-hours, is required to be in court four days a week during the trial. Jurors have heard from witnesses like Trump’s former executive assistant Rhona Graff and former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker. Prosecutors are presenting detailed evidence to support their argument that Trump is guilty of falsifying business records in connection with the hush money payments. They are building up to crucial testimony from Cohen, who is expected to take the stand sometime during the trial. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.
As the trial continues, Trump has expressed frustration at the prolonged proceedings, stating that the country is facing challenges while the trial takes up valuable time. Judge Juan M. Merchan will rule on prosecutors’ request to fine Trump for violating a gag order that prevents him from speaking publicly about the case. Pecker’s testimony provided insight into a “catch and kill” arrangement in which the National Enquirer or Trump’s associates bought and buried seamy stories about Trump. Trump’s defense argues that he was trying to protect his name and family, not influence the election outcome.
Farro testified about the process of helping Cohen create accounts for the limited liability companies involved in the hush money scheme. He described Cohen’s sense of urgency in setting up the accounts, which were intended to pay off Daniels and McDougal. Farro detailed the bank’s policy against doing business with entities tied to adult entertainment, including pornography, which raises questions about the legality of the transactions. Trump’s lawyers have not yet had the opportunity to cross-examine Farro, and the trial is expected to continue for another month or more with more witnesses and evidence presented.
