Donald Trump’s hush money trial is ongoing in Manhattan criminal court, with the prosecution presenting its case against the former president. Testimony has been heard from Keith Davidson, an attorney who arranged hush money deals for Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. These deals were made to silence the women about their alleged affairs with Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. The court also heard a secret recording of Trump discussing the deals made by his former lawyer Michael Cohen. Trump is facing 34 felony counts related to concealing a $130,000 payment to Daniels, who is expected to testify in the trial.
The trial resumed with Judge Juan Merchan clarifying that the gag order imposed on Trump does not prevent him from testifying in his own defense if he chooses to do so. Trump had previously falsely claimed that he could not testify due to the gag order. The former president has consistently criticized the judge, prosecutors, and the case against him, claiming that being in court is preventing him from campaigning. Trump accused the judge of allowing in “salacious” details about his efforts to cover up alleged affairs, saying it was an effort to harm him.
Testimony in the trial is set to continue, with Doug Daus, who processes digital evidence in the district attorney’s office, back on the witness stand for cross-examination by Trump’s defense team. Former communications director Hope Hicks may also be called as a witness, expected to provide insight into a deal between the National Enquirer and Trump allies to bury negative stories about him during the 2016 campaign. Court proceedings are expected to conclude later in the day.
The hush money trial against Donald Trump involves allegations of falsifying business records to conceal payments made to silence Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal about their relationships with the former president. The prosecution is presenting evidence to support these claims, including testimony from individuals involved in arranging the hush money deals. Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the trial, accusing the judge and prosecutors of targeting him unfairly and trying to damage his reputation.
Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen made a secret recording of the former president discussing the hush money deals, which has been presented as evidence in the trial. The case involves multiple felony counts related to concealing the payments, with witnesses such as Daniels expected to testify. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and continues to assert his innocence while expressing frustration with the legal proceedings. The trial is ongoing, with further testimony and evidence expected to be presented as the case progresses.
The trial has garnered significant attention, with members of the public and the media closely following the proceedings. Trump’s contentious relationship with the judge and prosecutors has been a focal point, as he continues to criticize the handling of the case. The prosecution is working to prove their case against the former president, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in legal matters involving high-profile individuals. As the trial continues, the outcome remains uncertain, with both sides presenting their arguments and evidence in pursuit of justice.
