LOADINGERROR LOADING
Testimony continues in former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial this week in New York.
Trump is facing 34 felony charges related to his purported efforts to conceal claims of extramarital affairs that emerged during his 2016 presidential campaign. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case centers on $130,000 in hush money paid to adult film actor Stormy Daniels. It also focuses on the role of Trump and his team in a “catch and kill” scheme whereby the National Enquirer, then run by David Pecker, buried negative stories about Trump, including one regarding an alleged affair with Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Daniels is testifying in the trial. Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who spent time behind bars over his role in the hush money scheme, is also expected to take the witness stand.
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Judge Juan Merchan is presiding over the trial. Trump’s legal team is led by Todd Blanche, Emil Bove and Susan Necheles, while the prosecution is led by Susan Hoffinger, Joshua Steinglass, Christopher Conroy and Matthew Colangelo.
Read live updates from the trial below:
Stormy Daniels Takes Aim At Trump With Social Media Post
Stormy Daniels taunted Trump on social media after she concluded her testimony in the ongoing hush money trial.
Read Daniels' post and more on HuffPost:
Read Daniels' post and more on HuffPost:
Steven Hirsch/New York Post via Associated Press
Day 15 Of Trump’s Hush Money Trial Is Underway
- Trump is back at the Manhattan courthouse for another day of his criminal trial, capping off a week dominated by the bombshell testimony of Stormy Daniels. Prior to entering the courtroom for the start of the proceeding, Trump once again attacked Judge Juan Merchan and called on him to declare a mistrial.
- Madeleine Westerhout, Trump’s former personal secretary at the White House, returned to the witness stand this morning to continue her testimony. Westerhout said she saw Trump sign documents in the Oval Office without reviewing them first, adding that he was very busy.
- Following Westerhout’s testimony, the jury heard from Daniel Dixon, a compliance officer with AT&T.
- Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal fixer, reportedly is expected to testify in court Monday.
George Conway Blasts Trump Lawyer's Approach in Stormy Daniels Cross-Examination
Conservative lawyer George Conway called the decision of Trump lawyer Susan Necheles to go after Stormy Daniels in yesterday's proceeding "counter-productive."
"By keeping your cross simple and short, you can control the witness," Conway said. "But the longer you go, the more the witness can pop off at you. And this woman is way smarter than Necheles’ client."
Read more on Conway's commentary below.
"By keeping your cross simple and short, you can control the witness," Conway said. "But the longer you go, the more the witness can pop off at you. And this woman is way smarter than Necheles’ client."
Read more on Conway's commentary below.
Ex-Trump Attorney Criticizes Trump's Lawyers For 'Shift In Strategy'
Jim Trusty, a former lawyer for Trump, criticized the apparent "shift in strategy" from the defense during an appearance on CNN last night.
Read more on Trusty's comments here.
Read more on Trusty's comments here.
Haberman Pinpoints Moment Judge Merchan 'Finally Just Had Enough'
New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman identified the moment that she believes showed Merchan “had finally just had enough” of antics from Trump's team.
Read more:
Read more:
Trump Speaks To Reporters Briefly After Court, Baselessly Calls Judge ‘Corrupt’
In brief remarks after court, Trump repeatedly attacked Judge Merchan as “corrupt” yet provided no details or substance to the allegation.
“He’s a corrupt judge. This judge, what he did, what his ruling was is a disgrace,” he said. “Everybody saw what happened today and he’s a corrupt judge. He’s totally conflicted.”
The ruling Trump referred to was presumably his motion for a mistrial, which Merchan denied for the second time in two days, but it wasn’t clear.
“Every single legal analyst [says] I’m innocent,” he concluded.
“He’s a corrupt judge. This judge, what he did, what his ruling was is a disgrace,” he said. “Everybody saw what happened today and he’s a corrupt judge. He’s totally conflicted.”
The ruling Trump referred to was presumably his motion for a mistrial, which Merchan denied for the second time in two days, but it wasn’t clear.
“Every single legal analyst [says] I’m innocent,” he concluded.
We're Done For The Day
Merchan has dismissed court for the day, and Trump has left the courtroom.
Trial will resume at 9:30 a.m. Friday.
Trial will resume at 9:30 a.m. Friday.
Judge Denies Trump’s Renewed Request For Mistrial
Blanche argued once again that some of the details Daniels gave during her testimony went too far, calling them “extraordinarily prejudicial.” He gave as one example Daniels’ claim about rolling up a magazine and smacking Trump on the backside with it. Blanche called the detail regarding Trump’s alleged lack of condom use “a dogwhistle for rape.”
Merchan responded to say that Daniels’ testimony had been stymied at points by objections which he sustained.
Prosecutor Steinglass argued that the details helped to corroborate Daniels’ story and made it more credible.
“Those messy details? That is motive,” Steinglass said.
Merchan denied the request, agreeing with the prosecution that some details were necessary to give jurors the means to evaluate the veracity of Daniels' story. He added that he wished certain details were not ever mentioned, and expressed bafflement that some portions of Necheles’ cross-examination served to emphasize some of the more sordid details.
Merchan responded to say that Daniels’ testimony had been stymied at points by objections which he sustained.
Prosecutor Steinglass argued that the details helped to corroborate Daniels’ story and made it more credible.
“Those messy details? That is motive,” Steinglass said.
Merchan denied the request, agreeing with the prosecution that some details were necessary to give jurors the means to evaluate the veracity of Daniels' story. He added that he wished certain details were not ever mentioned, and expressed bafflement that some portions of Necheles’ cross-examination served to emphasize some of the more sordid details.
Judge Denies Trump's Request To Go After Stormy Daniels
Trump’s team asked the judge earlier for time to bring up several issues, including their renewed motion for a mistrial, while jurors are out.
One of the items, an objection to testimony from Karen McDougal, was withdrawn after prosecutors said they were no longer thinking of calling her as a witness.
Blanche then asked Merchan to “remove the gag order as it relates to Ms. Daniels” so that Trump can attack her.
“We ask that Trump be able to respond publicly," Blanche said, pointing out that Daniels had finished her testimony and could thus not be intimidated on the stand.
Arguing for the prosecution, Conroy said that Trump’s attacks could still have an adverse effect on other witnesses and the jury. Trump tends to make comments, Conroy said, “selfishly with no concern about the safety of the people he is attacking.” Conroy added that he spoke yesterday with one of the document witnesses who had questions about their safety.
The judge denied Trump's request to modify the gag order. He said that he could not trust Blanche when he said Trump would not go overboard.
"Your client's record speaks for itself," Merchan said.
One of the items, an objection to testimony from Karen McDougal, was withdrawn after prosecutors said they were no longer thinking of calling her as a witness.
Blanche then asked Merchan to “remove the gag order as it relates to Ms. Daniels” so that Trump can attack her.
“We ask that Trump be able to respond publicly," Blanche said, pointing out that Daniels had finished her testimony and could thus not be intimidated on the stand.
Arguing for the prosecution, Conroy said that Trump’s attacks could still have an adverse effect on other witnesses and the jury. Trump tends to make comments, Conroy said, “selfishly with no concern about the safety of the people he is attacking.” Conroy added that he spoke yesterday with one of the document witnesses who had questions about their safety.
The judge denied Trump's request to modify the gag order. He said that he could not trust Blanche when he said Trump would not go overboard.
"Your client's record speaks for itself," Merchan said.
Trump Supporter Gets Escorted Out After Outburst
As Trump left the courthouse, a spectator told trump, “God is with you. Stay strong.”
Court officers escorted the man out, MSNBC’s Adam Klasfeld reports.
Court officers escorted the man out, MSNBC’s Adam Klasfeld reports.
Here’s What's Happened So Far On Day 14
- Stormy Daniels concluded her testimony, adeptly swatting down accusations from Trump’s attorneys that her primary interest in telling her story is financial gain.
- Trump lawyer Susan Necheles tried to undercut Daniels’ reliability by highlighting her pornographic past, only to be served zingers in return.
- Rebecca Manochio, a bookkeeper at the Trump Organization, spoke briefly about how the Trump Organization handled Trump’s personal expenses after he moved to the White House. (They overnighted batches of checks via FedEx for Trump’s signature.)
- Tracey Menzies, a HarperCollins executive, was called to the stand to read excerpts from a Trump book published in 2008. In the snippets Menzies read, Trump boasts about not trusting anyone and punishing those he sees as disloyal.
- Madeleine Westerhout, Trump’s personal assistant at the White House, spoke about her boss’s work habits. He took “a lot” of phone calls, she said, like to sign things by hand, and generally paid close attention to details.
- After court paused for afternoon recess, Trump attorney Todd Blanche attempted to persuade Merchan to amend Trump’s gag order so he can respond to Daniels. He also attempted to stop Karen McDougal from testifying and, for the second time in two days, moved for a mistrial.
Trump Attorney Elicits Praise For Trump
“He was a really good boss,” Westerhaut said of Trump. “I just found him very enjoyable to work for.”
Asked whether the “Access Hollywood” tape “blew over” within days of Trump’s election, Westerhaut answered affirmatively. She also further characterized his relationship with Melania as a caring one, recalling how Trump would let her know his schedule.
Jurors are breaking early today so Trump's attorneys can speak with the judge.
Asked whether the “Access Hollywood” tape “blew over” within days of Trump’s election, Westerhaut answered affirmatively. She also further characterized his relationship with Melania as a caring one, recalling how Trump would let her know his schedule.
Jurors are breaking early today so Trump's attorneys can speak with the judge.
Ex-Aide On Trump’s Marriage: ‘Really Special’
Westerhaut said that she recalled Trump being “very upset” by the Wall Street Journal story about his alleged affair with Daniels. She was then asked about his wife, Melania, saying that she did not observe their relationship change after the story came out.
“I just found their relationship really special. I know he cares a lot about her opinion,” she testified, adding, “He was my boss, but she was definitely the one in charge.”
“They laughed a lot when she came into the Oval Office. I just really respected their relationship,” she said.
Westerhaut then broke down into tears when asked about the circumstances that led to her being asked to leave her White House job, which included making comments out of turn. In 2020, she wrote a book about the experience and what she learned from it. Westerhaut last saw Trump at an Orange County fundraiser, she said.
“I just found their relationship really special. I know he cares a lot about her opinion,” she testified, adding, “He was my boss, but she was definitely the one in charge.”
“They laughed a lot when she came into the Oval Office. I just really respected their relationship,” she said.
Westerhaut then broke down into tears when asked about the circumstances that led to her being asked to leave her White House job, which included making comments out of turn. In 2020, she wrote a book about the experience and what she learned from it. Westerhaut last saw Trump at an Orange County fundraiser, she said.
Ex-White House Aide Recalls Mailing Checks
Westerhaut fills in another step in the checks’ journey, discussing how she would bring Trump’s personal checks into the Oval Office for him to sign after they landed on her desk. She would then mail the signed checks back to the Trump Organization.
Trump’s Most-Contacted: David Pecker, Allen Weisselberg, Jeanine Pirro, Michael Cohen
Westerhaut was asked to read select names from a list of people Trump contacted most frequently, which had been assembled by his former executive assistant Rhona Graff in early 2017. They included AMI and National Enquirer head David Pecker, Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisslberg, personal attorney Michael Cohen and Fox host Jeanine Pirro — the latter who was reportedly in the overflow room Thursday.
Westerhaut then read from an email in which she confirmed that Cohen was scheduled for a meeting in the White House. In another email, Westerhaut asked Graff to send a clipping from the New York Times showing Trump boarding Air Force One for the first time to both his family members and to Weisselberg.
Westerhaut then read from an email in which she confirmed that Cohen was scheduled for a meeting in the White House. In another email, Westerhaut asked Graff to send a clipping from the New York Times showing Trump boarding Air Force One for the first time to both his family members and to Weisselberg.
Ex-White House Aide Suggests Trump Liked Being In Direct Control
Asked to describe Trump’s preferred work habits, Westerhout said he liked speaking either in person or on the phone, and took “a lot” of phone calls throughout the day. Asked whether he even had an email account, she replied, “Not to my knowledge.”
Asked whether he was the type of person that paid attention to details, Westerhout said yes. He liked to sign documents by hand.
Regarding his Twitter account, Westerhout said that while communications adviser Dan Scavino also had access to it, Trump generally liked to have prior knowledge of what was posted there. She said that sometimes he would dictate a tweet to her in person. She would then type it out on her computer, print out a hard copy, and bring it to him, at which point Trump would sometimes make edits before it was posted.
Asked whether he was the type of person that paid attention to details, Westerhout said yes. He liked to sign documents by hand.
Regarding his Twitter account, Westerhout said that while communications adviser Dan Scavino also had access to it, Trump generally liked to have prior knowledge of what was posted there. She said that sometimes he would dictate a tweet to her in person. She would then type it out on her computer, print out a hard copy, and bring it to him, at which point Trump would sometimes make edits before it was posted.
Next Up: A Former Trump White House Assistant
Republican political consultant Madeline Westerhout is now on the stand. She told the jury she got her start in GOP politics working for the Republican National Committee before eventually becoming an assistant to Trump in Trump Tower. She later moved on to the White House, and described being led to her new desk right outside the Oval Office in January 2017.
Jurors were shown a map of how close Westerhout’s desk was to the Oval: right next door, in the Outer Oval Office. In the first few months of Trump's term, she said, no one sat closer to Trump than she did. White House communications aide Hope Hicks also sat nearby, Westerhout affirmed, as did aide John McEntee and bodyguard-turned-aide Keith Schiller.
Jurors were shown a map of how close Westerhout’s desk was to the Oval: right next door, in the Outer Oval Office. In the first few months of Trump's term, she said, no one sat closer to Trump than she did. White House communications aide Hope Hicks also sat nearby, Westerhout affirmed, as did aide John McEntee and bodyguard-turned-aide Keith Schiller.
Trump’s Book Makes Clear He Punished Disloyalty
Menzies read aloud quotes from Trump’s book selected by the prosecution. They included, “I used to say, ‘Go out and get the best people and trust them.’ Over the years, I’ve seen too many shenanigans. Now I say, ‘Get the best people and don’t trust them.’”
“As a matter of fact, I value loyalty above everything else,” Menzies read from Trump’s book.
“[W]e reward loyalty, and everyone knows this.”
“This woman was very disloyal, and now I go out of my way to make her life miserable.”
“My motto is: Always get even.”
“As a matter of fact, I value loyalty above everything else,” Menzies read from Trump’s book.
“[W]e reward loyalty, and everyone knows this.”
“This woman was very disloyal, and now I go out of my way to make her life miserable.”
“My motto is: Always get even.”
HarperCollins Executive Takes The Stand
Next up on the witness stand is a HarperCollins executive, Tracey Menzies, who is testifying as a custodian of records. Like several other such witnesses we’ve seen so far, she is here under subpoena.
Menzies affirms that HarperCollins published Trump’s 2008 title, “Think Big: Make It Happen In Business And In Life.”
Like the Penguin Random House executive before her, Menzies is asked to describe the cover design, in which Trump’s name and likeness are featured prominently.
Menzies affirms that HarperCollins published Trump’s 2008 title, “Think Big: Make It Happen In Business And In Life.”
Like the Penguin Random House executive before her, Menzies is asked to describe the cover design, in which Trump’s name and likeness are featured prominently.
Trump’s Personal Expenses Included Tiffany’s College, Melania’s Expenses: Bookkeeper
Prompted on cross-examination by Necheles, Manochio affirmed that the checks Trump was signing in Washington related to his personal expenses. Necheles gave several examples, such as credit card payments, Tiffany Trump’s college education, some of Melania Trump’s expenses.
The business-related checks were being signed by Alan Weisselberg, Donald Trump Jr. or Eric Trump, the witness affirmed. Necheles appeared to be trying to emphasize how Trump was not involved in the running of his business as president.
The business-related checks were being signed by Alan Weisselberg, Donald Trump Jr. or Eric Trump, the witness affirmed. Necheles appeared to be trying to emphasize how Trump was not involved in the running of his business as president.
We’re Back From Lunch
After a lunch break, Trump is seated once more with his attorneys in the courtroom. He offered no comment as he came in, ignoring a question about the whereabouts of his wife.
Trump Attorney Wants Merchan To Review Several Complaints
Just after the jury broke for lunch, Trump attorney Todd Blanche raised a handful of issues with Merchan and again raised his motion for a mistrial.
Blanche also said he wants to keep Karen McDougal from testifying, and wants to amend Trump’s gag order so he can respond to Daniels.
Merchan said they’ll hash it out after the jury leaves for the day at 4 p.m.
Blanche also said he wants to keep Karen McDougal from testifying, and wants to amend Trump’s gag order so he can respond to Daniels.
Merchan said they’ll hash it out after the jury leaves for the day at 4 p.m.
Stormy Daniels’ Lawyer Says He’s Proud Of Her
Daniels' attorney Clark Brewster congratulated his client on a job well done after she left the stand.
“Couldn’t be prouder of my client,” he said, along with a photo of the two of them in what appears to be the courthouse.
“Couldn’t be prouder of my client,” he said, along with a photo of the two of them in what appears to be the courthouse.
Trump’s Bodyguard, White House Aide Handled Trump Org Checks In Need Of Signatures
Manochio testified that she was instructed — by then-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg and Trump’s executive assistant Rhona Graff — to send checks to the home of Keith Schiller, Trump’s longtime bodyguard.
Once Schiller left in September 2017, Manochio was told to send the checks to John McEntee, who worked as an aide in the Trump White House.
Over the course of the trial, prosecutors have walked jurors through tedious testimony showing exactly how the checks reimbursing Cohen were cut, signed and mailed out.
Once Schiller left in September 2017, Manochio was told to send the checks to John McEntee, who worked as an aide in the Trump White House.
Over the course of the trial, prosecutors have walked jurors through tedious testimony showing exactly how the checks reimbursing Cohen were cut, signed and mailed out.
Trump Org Bookkeeper Discusses Personal Expenses
Manochio testified that the Trump Organization continued to process Trump’s personal expenses after he moved into the White House in January 2017. She said she would use FedEx to transport unsigned checks down to Washington, where Trump would sign them and have them mailed back to Manochio at the Trump Organization to be distributed. (The reimbursement payments to Cohen would have been among these.)
Sometimes she would send batches of 10 to 20 checks, but sometimes there were as few as one single check in a FedEx envelope.
Manochio’s testimony is rather dull, but a good reminder of what the case is about at its core — documents.
Sometimes she would send batches of 10 to 20 checks, but sometimes there were as few as one single check in a FedEx envelope.
Manochio’s testimony is rather dull, but a good reminder of what the case is about at its core — documents.
Stormy Daniels Testimony Concludes
Before letting Daniels go, Hoffinger brought up one last time Trump’s 2023 Truth Social post calling Daniels a “horseface” and “sleazebag" before the jury.
Next witness: Trump Organization junior bookkeeper Rebecca Manochio, who is here under subpoena.
Next witness: Trump Organization junior bookkeeper Rebecca Manochio, who is here under subpoena.
Stormy Daniels Calls Telling Truth About Trump A Net ‘Negative’
Asked how her life has changed since she started speaking publicly about Trump, Daniels said that she has had to hire security and take special precautions in order to protect her daughter and give her a safe place to live. She’s had to move multiple times, she said.
Asked whether telling the truth about Trump has been a “net positive or net negative,” Daniels responded, “Negative.”
We are now done with redirect.
Given another chance to question Daniels, Necheles pointed out that she had also lobbed attacks against strangers on social media.
“I never attack anybody first,” Daniels said, echoing testimony from Tuesday.
Asked whether telling the truth about Trump has been a “net positive or net negative,” Daniels responded, “Negative.”
We are now done with redirect.
Given another chance to question Daniels, Necheles pointed out that she had also lobbed attacks against strangers on social media.
“I never attack anybody first,” Daniels said, echoing testimony from Tuesday.
Hoffinger Grills Necheles' Line Of Questioning
On redirect, Hoffinger suggested Necheles had mischaracterized a text exchange between National Enquirer editor-in-chief Dylan Howard and Daniels’ former manager, Gina Rodriguez, by leaving out one of the messages in the chain.
A line of questioning about Daniels’ 2018interview with Anderson Cooper has prompted multiple sidebar discussions with the judge. Daniels has affirmed that she shared a lot of details with Cooper, but not every single detail.
Hoffinger also suggests Necheles’ questioning was disingenuous concerning Daniels’ tweets. Daniels responded to many tweets, she said, often using the same or similar phrasing as the person tweeting at her. For example, she said she would "dance down the street" upon seeing Trump incarcerated in response to a person telling her, "Good luck walking down the street." Hoffinger points out that some also called Daniels degrading names, like “aging harlot.”
A line of questioning about Daniels’ 2018interview with Anderson Cooper has prompted multiple sidebar discussions with the judge. Daniels has affirmed that she shared a lot of details with Cooper, but not every single detail.
Hoffinger also suggests Necheles’ questioning was disingenuous concerning Daniels’ tweets. Daniels responded to many tweets, she said, often using the same or similar phrasing as the person tweeting at her. For example, she said she would "dance down the street" upon seeing Trump incarcerated in response to a person telling her, "Good luck walking down the street." Hoffinger points out that some also called Daniels degrading names, like “aging harlot.”
Stormy Daniels Points Out She Can't Control How Interviews Are Edited
Facing questions about how her story was portrayed in various media appearances, Daniels pointed out the reality of giving interviews: she cannot control what is ultimately used in the finished product. Editors and reporters have that power.
Necheles wrapped up with a statement-turned-question, saying Daniels has changed her story “many times" without giving her a chance to respond.
“Isn’t it a fact” that Daniels did so, Necheles asked, because she realized she could make money in various ways off the false assertion that she had an affair with Trump? But the question was objected to, and Merchan sustained the objection.
We are finished with cross-examination.
Necheles wrapped up with a statement-turned-question, saying Daniels has changed her story “many times" without giving her a chance to respond.
“Isn’t it a fact” that Daniels did so, Necheles asked, because she realized she could make money in various ways off the false assertion that she had an affair with Trump? But the question was objected to, and Merchan sustained the objection.
We are finished with cross-examination.
Trump Points At Newsmax Host As He Leaves Courtroom
As he exited the courtroom for a quick morning break, Trump pointed to Newsmax host Greg Kelly, who stood and flashed a thumbs-up when Trump first entered earlier in the day. We are now back from the break.
Trump Attorney Questions Whether Stormy Daniels Really Felt Pressured To Have Sex
Asked whether she’d acted in “over 200” porn films, Daniels replied that the number was closer to 150. She also affirmed there were “naked men” in those films.
Necheles recalled Daniels’ Tuesday testimony in which she said she felt lightheaded upon seeing Trump in a T-shirt and boxer shorts on the bed when she came out of the bathroom.
“According to you,” Necheles asked accusingly, it was “so upsetting” a sight that Daniels felt faint. Daniels responded that she was not expecting to see a man twice her age nearly nude on a bed, and was genuinely surprised.
“You’re a pretty assertive woman?” Necheles asked.
“More so now,” Daniels said.
Daniels said earlier that evening, she felt she had more power. But coming out of the bathroom to a barely clothed Trump shifted the power dynamics. She testified that her own "insecurities" made her feel like she had to have sex with him.
Necheles recalled Daniels’ Tuesday testimony in which she said she felt lightheaded upon seeing Trump in a T-shirt and boxer shorts on the bed when she came out of the bathroom.
“According to you,” Necheles asked accusingly, it was “so upsetting” a sight that Daniels felt faint. Daniels responded that she was not expecting to see a man twice her age nearly nude on a bed, and was genuinely surprised.
“You’re a pretty assertive woman?” Necheles asked.
“More so now,” Daniels said.
Daniels said earlier that evening, she felt she had more power. But coming out of the bathroom to a barely clothed Trump shifted the power dynamics. She testified that her own "insecurities" made her feel like she had to have sex with him.
Victor J. Blue/The Washington Post via Associated Press
‘This Is Just Political Persecution’
In an interview with “Fox & Friends,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who accompanied Trump to court this morning, dismissed the charges against the former president as politically motivated.
“I support my friend,” Scott said. “I support Donald Trump. This is just political persecution. It is a crime to use the courts for political persecution.”
He continued: “If we don’t stop this, they can go after you. Every American is at risk.”
“I support my friend,” Scott said. “I support Donald Trump. This is just political persecution. It is a crime to use the courts for political persecution.”
He continued: “If we don’t stop this, they can go after you. Every American is at risk.”
Daniels Pushes Back On Accusations Her Story Has Changed
Necheles has tried to suggest Daniels’ story has changed over the years in ways that make her an unreliable witness.
For example, Necheles suggested that Daniels told InTouch magazine in 2011 that Trump invited her to dinner himself. On the stand this week, she said it was his bodyguard.
Daniels pushes back, saying that she “didn’t specify in 2011” who asked her to dinner because her publicist at the time encouraged her not to name people unnecessarily. She also considered being asked by a bodyguard the same as being asked directly.
Necheles also suggested Daniels told InTouch she actually ended up eating with Trump in his hotel room.
“It was dinner time … but we never got food,” Daniels said. “My story’s the same.”
She joked that she is "very food-motivated."
At one point, Necheles asked point-blank, “The details of your story keep changing, right?”
“No,” Daniels responded.
For example, Necheles suggested that Daniels told InTouch magazine in 2011 that Trump invited her to dinner himself. On the stand this week, she said it was his bodyguard.
Daniels pushes back, saying that she “didn’t specify in 2011” who asked her to dinner because her publicist at the time encouraged her not to name people unnecessarily. She also considered being asked by a bodyguard the same as being asked directly.
Necheles also suggested Daniels told InTouch she actually ended up eating with Trump in his hotel room.
“It was dinner time … but we never got food,” Daniels said. “My story’s the same.”
She joked that she is "very food-motivated."
At one point, Necheles asked point-blank, “The details of your story keep changing, right?”
“No,” Daniels responded.
Daniels Responds With A Zinger After Trump Lawyer Calls Her A 'Shill'
Necheles has tried to cast Daniels as an anti-Trump figure who’s mostly in it for the money, bringing up merchandise like a “Stormy, Saint of Indictments" candle she's featured in her online store.
Necheles accused her of “shilling” merchandise around Trump’s criminal proceedings and Daniels responded with a zinger: “Not unlike Mr. Trump.”
Trump's campaign hawked merchandise with the president's mugshot shortly after it was released by the Fulton County, Ga., Sheriff’s Office in August 2023.
Necheles accused her of “shilling” merchandise around Trump’s criminal proceedings and Daniels responded with a zinger: “Not unlike Mr. Trump.”
Trump's campaign hawked merchandise with the president's mugshot shortly after it was released by the Fulton County, Ga., Sheriff’s Office in August 2023.
Trump Attorney Suggests Daniels’ Sex Work Meant She Had ‘A Lot Of Experience’ With ‘Phony Stories’
Daniels affirmed that she had worked on many porn films.
“You have a lot of experience making phony stories about sex appear to be real, right?” Necheles asked.
“That’s not how I would put it,” Daniels said. “The sex is very real. That’s why it’s pornography.”
She later quipped that if her story about sex with Trump “was untrue, I would have written it to be a lot better.”
“You have a lot of experience making phony stories about sex appear to be real, right?” Necheles asked.
“That’s not how I would put it,” Daniels said. “The sex is very real. That’s why it’s pornography.”
She later quipped that if her story about sex with Trump “was untrue, I would have written it to be a lot better.”
Trump Attorney Grills Stormy Daniels On Her Online Store, Ghost Hunting Show
Jurors were shown a March 2023 tweet from Daniels shortly after Trump was indicted.
“Thank you to everyone for your support and love! I have so many messages coming in that I can’t respond… also don’t want to spill my champagne,” read the tweet, with a link to her online store.
Necheles then brought up several items from the store, including a “Stormy, Saint of Indictments” prayer candle. Daniels said a store in New Orleans made them, and she put them on her store because she thought it was funny. Another product, a $30 comic book, was shown.
“Keep in mind I did not write this comic book,” Daniels says with a laugh.
Daniels then faced several questions about a ghost-hunting show she worked on called “Spooky Babes.” Necheles repeatedly brought attention to the idea of talking to dead people.
“Thank you to everyone for your support and love! I have so many messages coming in that I can’t respond… also don’t want to spill my champagne,” read the tweet, with a link to her online store.
Necheles then brought up several items from the store, including a “Stormy, Saint of Indictments” prayer candle. Daniels said a store in New Orleans made them, and she put them on her store because she thought it was funny. Another product, a $30 comic book, was shown.
“Keep in mind I did not write this comic book,” Daniels says with a laugh.
Daniels then faced several questions about a ghost-hunting show she worked on called “Spooky Babes.” Necheles repeatedly brought attention to the idea of talking to dead people.
Clinton Says Hush Money Trial Is About Election Interference
Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton decried the fact that Americans will likely head to the polls in November without knowing the outcome of the majority of Trump’s criminal trials.
"Justice delayed is justice denied," she told MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
Clinton also commented on the hush money trial underway in New York, saying it “is really about election interference.”
“It is about trying to prevent the people of our country from having relevant information that may have influenced how they could have voted in 2016, or whether they would have voted,” Clinton said. “I think that the defendant, the former president, knew exactly what he was doing when he went to such great lengths to try to squash, bury, kill stories, pay off people, because he understood the electoral significance of them.”
"Justice delayed is justice denied," she told MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
Clinton also commented on the hush money trial underway in New York, saying it “is really about election interference.”
“It is about trying to prevent the people of our country from having relevant information that may have influenced how they could have voted in 2016, or whether they would have voted,” Clinton said. “I think that the defendant, the former president, knew exactly what he was doing when he went to such great lengths to try to squash, bury, kill stories, pay off people, because he understood the electoral significance of them.”
'Orange Turd' Tweet Shown To Jurors
Daniels sparred with Necheles after the Trump attorney suggested Daniels once bragged that she would be “instrumental” to putting Trump in jail. Necheles then pulled up a tweet where Daniels responded to a post that read, “Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels aka THE HUMAN TOILET are their star witnesses.”
“Exactly! Making me the best person to flush the orange turd down,” Daniels wrote in response. She objected to Necheles’ earlier characterization of the tweet, pointing out that it doesn’t contain the word “instrumental.”
Daniels said that she has responded to “hundreds of tweets” calling her names.
“Exactly! Making me the best person to flush the orange turd down,” Daniels wrote in response. She objected to Necheles’ earlier characterization of the tweet, pointing out that it doesn’t contain the word “instrumental.”
Daniels said that she has responded to “hundreds of tweets” calling her names.
Stormy Daniels Hated The Tagline 'Make America Horny Again'
Necheles' next questions suggest Daniels’ story proved lucrative once she started sharing it publicly. Daniels affirmed that the advance amount for her memoir, “Full Disclosure,” was $800,000, although she said she did not ultimately receive that amount.
Necheles then turned to Daniels’ strip club tour, which was dubbed “Make America Horny Again.”
“I did not name that tour, and I fought it tooth and nail,” she said of the tagline, adding that a club owner in North Carolina had come up with it.
“I have no control over how a club advertises,” she testified. “I hate it,” she said of the tagline.
Daniels also pushed back on a question that she received $125,000 for the rights to her book from a documentary crew.
“You’re trying to trick me into saying something that’s not entirely true,” Daniels said after noting that she had also not received the full payment for the book rights.
Necheles then turned to Daniels’ strip club tour, which was dubbed “Make America Horny Again.”
“I did not name that tour, and I fought it tooth and nail,” she said of the tagline, adding that a club owner in North Carolina had come up with it.
“I have no control over how a club advertises,” she testified. “I hate it,” she said of the tagline.
Daniels also pushed back on a question that she received $125,000 for the rights to her book from a documentary crew.
“You’re trying to trick me into saying something that’s not entirely true,” Daniels said after noting that she had also not received the full payment for the book rights.
Trump Attorney Questions Stormy Daniels’ 2018 Denials
Necheles walks Daniels through her Jan. 10, 2018, statement denying any affair with Trump. The statement was given to the Wall Street Journal before they published a story about the hush money payment.
“Let’s be clear, I did not write this… it was given to me, and I was told I had to sign it,” Daniels clarified.
Necheles then read from the Jan. 30, 2018, statement Daniels signed denying the alleged affair, asking Daniels to affirm she signed it.
“I am not denying this affair because I was paid ‘hush money’ as has been reported in overseas owned tabloids. I am denying this affair because it never happened,” the statement says.
“Let’s be clear, I did not write this… it was given to me, and I was told I had to sign it,” Daniels clarified.
Necheles then read from the Jan. 30, 2018, statement Daniels signed denying the alleged affair, asking Daniels to affirm she signed it.
“I am not denying this affair because I was paid ‘hush money’ as has been reported in overseas owned tabloids. I am denying this affair because it never happened,” the statement says.
Daniels Admits She Was Mad When Cohen Kept Delaying Payment
Prompted by Necheles, Daniels affirmed that she was angry at the delay in receiving payment from Cohen after she signed the nondisclosure agreement. Necheles then played a snippet from one of Cohen’s recordings of a phone call with Daniels’ then-attorney, Keith Davidson.
Jurors heard Davidson say that Daniels was “basically yelling and screaming and calling me a pussy,” and imploring him to settle the deal before the election, because Daniels thought Trump would surely lose and she would lose “all leverage.”
Daniels said she did not recall making any such remarks.
“I never yelled at Keith Davidson on the phone,” Daniels said, suggesting that Davidson was either exaggerating or actually speaking about things said to him by her manager, Gina Rodriguez, and her boyfriend.
Jurors heard Davidson say that Daniels was “basically yelling and screaming and calling me a pussy,” and imploring him to settle the deal before the election, because Daniels thought Trump would surely lose and she would lose “all leverage.”
Daniels said she did not recall making any such remarks.
“I never yelled at Keith Davidson on the phone,” Daniels said, suggesting that Davidson was either exaggerating or actually speaking about things said to him by her manager, Gina Rodriguez, and her boyfriend.
Trump Attorney Hammers Stormy Daniels On Accepting Hush Payment
Necheles pressed Daniels about her earlier assertion that she was thinking of giving a press conference for free in order to get her story out there before the 2016 presidential election. Daniels affirmed that she was considering doing so.
“I chose to be safe,” Daniels said. “I chose to take the nondisclosure.”
“The better alternative was for you to make money?” Necheles asked. Daniels responded that “the better alternative” was to have her story “protected with a paper trial” and to preserve her family’s privacy.
“It was a perfect solution,” she said.
“I chose to be safe,” Daniels said. “I chose to take the nondisclosure.”
“The better alternative was for you to make money?” Necheles asked. Daniels responded that “the better alternative” was to have her story “protected with a paper trial” and to preserve her family’s privacy.
“It was a perfect solution,” she said.
Trump Says Left Poses 'Bigger Danger Than China Or Russia'
Prior to entering the courtroom, Trump took issue with what he described as heavy police presence around the courthouse, saying “it's like an armed camp down here.”
"You have nothing to worry about, believe me," Trump said. "Your problem is from the left, it's not from the right."
He added that the left poses "a bigger danger than China or Russia.”
During his remarks to reporters, Trump blasted Biden over his latest warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would withhold sending offensive weapons to the country if they went ahead with their plan to invade Rafah in southern Gaza, where about one million Palestinians have sought refuge.
“What Biden is doing with respect to Israel is disgraceful,” Trump told reporters. “If any Jewish person voted for Joe Biden, they should be ashamed of themselves.”
“He’s totally abandoned Israel,” Trump continued.
Trump was joined in court by some GOP members, including Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who did not address the media.
"You have nothing to worry about, believe me," Trump said. "Your problem is from the left, it's not from the right."
He added that the left poses "a bigger danger than China or Russia.”
During his remarks to reporters, Trump blasted Biden over his latest warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would withhold sending offensive weapons to the country if they went ahead with their plan to invade Rafah in southern Gaza, where about one million Palestinians have sought refuge.
“What Biden is doing with respect to Israel is disgraceful,” Trump told reporters. “If any Jewish person voted for Joe Biden, they should be ashamed of themselves.”
“He’s totally abandoned Israel,” Trump continued.
Trump was joined in court by some GOP members, including Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who did not address the media.
Stormy Daniels Takes The Stand Again
Daniels is seated in her witness box, dressed in deep green with a long and cozy-looking black sweater, wearing her blonde hair down.
Also of note: Merchan did not allow the usual gaggle of photographers to take Trump’s photo before proceedings began today, reportedly because someone violated the terms of his order on photography.
Also of note: Merchan did not allow the usual gaggle of photographers to take Trump’s photo before proceedings began today, reportedly because someone violated the terms of his order on photography.
Getty
Trump Arrives To Hear More From Stormy Daniels
The former president, dressed in a blue suit and tie, is now seated in court and ready to hear more from Daniels, who is expected to continue cross-examination with Necheles.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) arrived with him. Upon Trump’s entrance, a man stood in the public gallery and gave him a thumbs up before being ordered to sit.
Trump ally and Fox News host Jeanine Pirro is in the overflow room to watch the proceedings alongside dozens of reporters and members of the public, according to MSNBC’s Katie Phang.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) arrived with him. Upon Trump’s entrance, a man stood in the public gallery and gave him a thumbs up before being ordered to sit.
Trump ally and Fox News host Jeanine Pirro is in the overflow room to watch the proceedings alongside dozens of reporters and members of the public, according to MSNBC’s Katie Phang.
What To Expect From Day 14 Of Trump's Hush Money Trial
- Stormy Daniels is expected to return to the witness stand to continue being cross-examined by Trump's lawyers, who are seeking to discredit her account.
- Daniels on Tuesday spoke at length about her meeting and sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which the former president denies.
- Judge Juan Merchan has already rejected a request by Trump’s lawyers to declare a mistrial over Daniels' testimony.
How Will The Jury Process Stormy Daniels' Testimony?
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand this week, offering bombshell testimony about her alleged sexual encounter with the former president in 2006. It's unclear what the jurors took away from her story.
Read more here:
Read more here:
Trump's New Trial Tactic Could Backfire, NYU Law Professor Warns
Trump's legal team is reportedly planning to carry out a more intense and thorough cross-examination of Stormy Daniels during today's proceeding. But a New York University law professor warned the tactic could backfire.
Read more here:
Read more here:
Trump Walks Gag Order Tightrope
Despite a day off from court, Trump appears not to have taken his mind off the case, launching an attack on Judge Merchan and “sleazebags, lowlifes, and grifters," which appears to be aimed at witnesses testifying against him.
With his social media post, Trump walks a legal tightrope given the gag order that, in theory, prevents him from saying anything about witnesses and jurors. Earlier this week, the former president was found in contempt of court for breaching the order for the 10th time, with the judge warning further violations could land him in jail.
Read more here:
With his social media post, Trump walks a legal tightrope given the gag order that, in theory, prevents him from saying anything about witnesses and jurors. Earlier this week, the former president was found in contempt of court for breaching the order for the 10th time, with the judge warning further violations could land him in jail.
Read more here:
Jane Rosenberg via AP, Pool
Judge Juan Merchan Warned About Trump ‘Cursing Audibly,’ Other ‘Contemptuous’ Behavior
Transcript from Tuesday’s testimony revealed Merchan spoke with Blanche during a sidebar on Tuesday to warn him his client was verging on witness intimidation during Daniels' testimony.
“I understand that your client is upset at this point,” Merchan told Blanche, according to transcripts from the trial obtained by The Washington Post. “But he is cursing audibly and he is shaking his head visually and that’s contemptuous. It has the potential to intimidate the witness and the jury can see that.”
“I am speaking to you here at the bench because I don’t want to embarrass him,” Merchan added. “You need to speak to him. I won’t tolerate that.”
“I understand that your client is upset at this point,” Merchan told Blanche, according to transcripts from the trial obtained by The Washington Post. “But he is cursing audibly and he is shaking his head visually and that’s contemptuous. It has the potential to intimidate the witness and the jury can see that.”
“I am speaking to you here at the bench because I don’t want to embarrass him,” Merchan added. “You need to speak to him. I won’t tolerate that.”
Trump Hails ‘Very Big Day’ In Comments After Court
Speaking to reporters outside the Manhattan courtroom Tuesday, Trump acknowledged it was “a very big day” in court today. The former president didn’t address Daniels’ specific testimony, as his gag order legally bars him from doing so.
“This was a very big day, a very revealing day as you see their case is totally falling apart,” he said, without offering any specifics. “They have nothing on books and records and even something that shouldn’t bear very little relationship to the case — it’s just a disaster for the DA.”
Trump also said he thinks the nationwide protests at college campuses “seem to be” funded by Biden’s backers. He didn’t explain why he believed protesters, who are critical of the president, would be paid for by the president’s supporters.
“This was a very big day, a very revealing day as you see their case is totally falling apart,” he said, without offering any specifics. “They have nothing on books and records and even something that shouldn’t bear very little relationship to the case — it’s just a disaster for the DA.”
Trump also said he thinks the nationwide protests at college campuses “seem to be” funded by Biden’s backers. He didn’t explain why he believed protesters, who are critical of the president, would be paid for by the president’s supporters.
Daniels Gets Defensive As Court Adjourns For The Day
In a tense exchange, Daniels and Necheles discussed a text message between her former manager, Gina Rodriguez, and National Enquirer editor-in-chief Dylan Howard. Rodriguez claimed that Daniels wanted to tell her story “through a source” and demanded $100,000.
Merchan then called it a day, and Trump filed out of the courtroom once more.
Merchan then called it a day, and Trump filed out of the courtroom once more.
Key Moment
Stormy Daniels Testimony Dominates Day 13 Of Trump Trial
- Adult film star Stormy Daniels spoke at length Tuesday about her interactions with Donald Trump, beginning with an alleged sexual encounter at a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe in 2006.
- Daniels said Trump invited her to have dinner — then stripped to his underwear while she was in the bathroom and implied she should have sex with him to advance her career. An appearance on “The Apprentice” was dangled as a possibility, she said. They never ended up having dinner.
- The two had a handful of other run-ins after the 2006 encounter. Daniels said she refused Trump’s advances during a meeting in Los Angeles in 2007 and said she was “ashamed” of their earlier encounter.
- Trump’s lawyers argued after lunch that Daniels’ testimony was so lurid it tainted the jury, and asked for a mistrial. Judge Merchan refused the request, instead encouraging the defense to lodge more objections should objectionable content arise.
- In 2011, after Daniels spoke with an InTouch magazine reporter about her relationship with Trump, she said she was “approached by a man in a parking lot in Las Vegas” who threatened her to stop talking.
- She also addressed her side of the hush money payments central to the case, corroborating earlier testimony that Trump’s associates paid her $130,000 in exchange for the rights to her story — and her silence.
Daniels Explains Change Of Heart On Going Public
Necheles is probing why Daniels went from taking the parking lot threat seriously to going public with her story about the alleged Trump affair.
“I didn’t just decide that, I was given advice by someone to do so,” Daniels responded, adding that she wanted to "get out in front" of her story.
“I was a very different and much braver person in 2016 than I was in 2011," Daniels testified.
“There’s a big difference between a reality TV star and someone running for office,” she said. Necheles suggested contrarily that Daniels had merely spotted an opportunity to make money off Trump.
“I didn’t just decide that, I was given advice by someone to do so,” Daniels responded, adding that she wanted to "get out in front" of her story.
“I was a very different and much braver person in 2016 than I was in 2011," Daniels testified.
“There’s a big difference between a reality TV star and someone running for office,” she said. Necheles suggested contrarily that Daniels had merely spotted an opportunity to make money off Trump.
Brief Afternoon Break
Trump exited and returned to the courtroom for a brief afternoon break. When asked by hallway reporters how things were going, Trump responded: "Very well."
Merchan confirmed with Necheles that Daniels will return for more testimony on Thursday, followed by redirect. But we have a little more still to go today.
Merchan confirmed with Necheles that Daniels will return for more testimony on Thursday, followed by redirect. But we have a little more still to go today.
Trump’s Team Tries To Muddy The Waters
Necheles is now casting doubt on Daniels’ recollection of events surrounding the threat she said she received in a parking lot, including the interview Daniels gave to InTouch.
Just like the prosecution brought in details from Trump’s books, Trump’s team is using details from Daniels’ book in their questioning.
Daniels testifies that while she initially thought Cohen sent the man who threatened her, she no longer believes that.
Necheles begins to ask a question suggesting that both Daniels and Cohen have been trying to make money off the persecution of Trump, but Merchan sustains an objection to it.
Asked whether her whole story was made up, Daniels says, "No, none of it was made up."
Just like the prosecution brought in details from Trump’s books, Trump’s team is using details from Daniels’ book in their questioning.
Daniels testifies that while she initially thought Cohen sent the man who threatened her, she no longer believes that.
Necheles begins to ask a question suggesting that both Daniels and Cohen have been trying to make money off the persecution of Trump, but Merchan sustains an objection to it.
Asked whether her whole story was made up, Daniels says, "No, none of it was made up."
Meanwhile, Fox News Attempts To Discredit Stormy Daniels
Fox News is attempting to discredit Daniels’ testimony and the court proceedings in general by dwelling extensively on Daniels adult film career.
In a particularly unhinged segment Tuesday, Fox contributor Lisa “Kennedy” Montgomery accused Judge Merchan of being a “perv” because he’d asked Daniels to speak more slowly so the court reporter could keep up.
She also accused him of asking Daniels to speak in “lurid” detail about her encounter with Trump, which is false: He’d asked she err on the side of less detail.
“Number one, the judge sounds like a perv because he wants her to speak in lurid detail and he’s asking her to speak more slowly. That’s gross,” she said in a gross misstatement of facts.
She continued: “Number two, let’s say the transaction did take place. I’m talking the physical one. Her being surprised that she was going to a hotel room, alone with a man, to have body congress is like Pete Sampras being surprised at being invited to a tennis court and you want to see his serve. And then he says, ‘I started shaking when I saw a tennis racket!’”
Daniels testified this morning that Trump had invited her to dinner (not to have "body congress"), that he’d stripped to his underwear when she used the bathroom and that there was a pretty clear power imbalance between the two, particularly with Trump’s bodyguard outside the door.
In a particularly unhinged segment Tuesday, Fox contributor Lisa “Kennedy” Montgomery accused Judge Merchan of being a “perv” because he’d asked Daniels to speak more slowly so the court reporter could keep up.
She also accused him of asking Daniels to speak in “lurid” detail about her encounter with Trump, which is false: He’d asked she err on the side of less detail.
“Number one, the judge sounds like a perv because he wants her to speak in lurid detail and he’s asking her to speak more slowly. That’s gross,” she said in a gross misstatement of facts.
She continued: “Number two, let’s say the transaction did take place. I’m talking the physical one. Her being surprised that she was going to a hotel room, alone with a man, to have body congress is like Pete Sampras being surprised at being invited to a tennis court and you want to see his serve. And then he says, ‘I started shaking when I saw a tennis racket!’”
Daniels testified this morning that Trump had invited her to dinner (not to have "body congress"), that he’d stripped to his underwear when she used the bathroom and that there was a pretty clear power imbalance between the two, particularly with Trump’s bodyguard outside the door.
Stormy Daniels Alleges That Gloria Allred Wanted Her To Embellish Story
Daniels testifies that she met with the famed women’s rights attorney Gloria Allred in 2011, but ultimately did not end up working with her because she felt that Allred wanted her to claim Trump “rape[d]” her — which Daniels maintains was not the case.
“She wanted to force me to say things that were not true,” Daniels testifies.
“She wanted to force me to say things that were not true,” Daniels testifies.
Jurors Follow Stormy Daniels Testimony Closely
Members of the jury were observed following along closely with Daniels’ testimony, swiveling their heads between the witness and the defense attorney. Some pause to take notes.
Trump Attorney Drills Down On Stormy Daniels' Financials
After several objections and multiple sidebars, Necheles resumes asking Daniels about a form she filled out in part but did not complete. Daniels asserts, “I won’t fill out information that endangers my family or my daughter, no matter what." The form appears to be related to Daniels’ financials in connection to the money she owes Trump.
Necheles then asks whether it is true that she is “hoping that if Donald Trump is convicted, [Daniels] will not have to pay him.”
“I hope I don’t have to pay him no matter what happens,” Daniels replied.
Asked accusingly whether she has been making money by telling people she had sex with Trump, Daniels replies: “I have been making money by telling my story about what happened to me.”
“And that story has made you a lot of money, right?” Necheles asks.
“It has also cost me a lot of money,” Daniels says.
Necheles then asks whether it is true that she is “hoping that if Donald Trump is convicted, [Daniels] will not have to pay him.”
“I hope I don’t have to pay him no matter what happens,” Daniels replied.
Asked accusingly whether she has been making money by telling people she had sex with Trump, Daniels replies: “I have been making money by telling my story about what happened to me.”
“And that story has made you a lot of money, right?” Necheles asks.
“It has also cost me a lot of money,” Daniels says.
More Name-Calling About Donald Trump Entered Into Court Record
Necheles reads a tweet from Daniels that she posted on Nov. 9, 2022: “I don’t owe him shit and I’ll never give that orange turd a dime.”
Trump's attorney points out that the tweet represented Daniels calling Trump names, much like he called her “horseface.”
“He made fun of me first,” Daniels says.
“So one of you started it, but you both continued it, correct?” Necheles asks.
Daniels says yes.
Trump's attorney points out that the tweet represented Daniels calling Trump names, much like he called her “horseface.”
“He made fun of me first,” Daniels says.
“So one of you started it, but you both continued it, correct?” Necheles asks.
Daniels says yes.
Trump Team Hammers Nonpayment Of Defamation Fines
Necheles is doubling down on the defamation suit between Trump and Daniels that has led to her owing him more than half a million dollars in attorney’s fees.
“You didn’t take any money out of your pocket and pay it to Donald Trump, did you?” Necheles asks.
“No,” Daniels says. She testifies that she has no intention to do so.
Daniels reads a tweet she posted on March 21, 2022: “I will go to jail before I pay a penny.”
“That was me saying that I will not pay for telling the truth,” she says.
“You didn’t take any money out of your pocket and pay it to Donald Trump, did you?” Necheles asks.
“No,” Daniels says. She testifies that she has no intention to do so.
Daniels reads a tweet she posted on March 21, 2022: “I will go to jail before I pay a penny.”
“That was me saying that I will not pay for telling the truth,” she says.
Stormy Daniels Affirms She ‘Hates’ Trump
“Am I correct that you hate President Trump?” Necheles asked.
“Yes,” Daniels responded.
“And you want him to go to jail?”
“I want him to be held accountable,” Daniels said, adding that she would want him to go to jail if he were found guilty.
“Yes,” Daniels responded.
“And you want him to go to jail?”
“I want him to be held accountable,” Daniels said, adding that she would want him to go to jail if he were found guilty.
Stormy Daniels Hasn’t Paid Trump For Failed Defamation Lawsuit
At the advice of former lawyer Michael Avenatti, Daniels sued Trump for defamation in 2018 after a dustup on social media over a sketch of the man who threatened her in a parking garage in 2011.
She lost the case (and fired Avenatti). But Daniels still owes Trump money from the trial, she revealed Tuesday.
Daniels said she doesn’t think the verdict was fair, nor does she have the money to pay.
She lost the case (and fired Avenatti). But Daniels still owes Trump money from the trial, she revealed Tuesday.
Daniels said she doesn’t think the verdict was fair, nor does she have the money to pay.
Stormy Daniels Addresses Trump 'Horseface' Post
Jurors are shown a March 15, 2023, post to Truth Social in which Trump wrote, “I did NOTHING wrong in the 'Horseface' case.” Trump denied having seen Daniels since taking the photo with her at the Lake Tahoe golf course that was published by media outlets.
Daniels confirmed she was both the “horseface” and “sleaze bag” Trump was talking about in the post, but testified Trump's claims were not true, as she had seen and talked to him multiple times since their Lake Tahoe meeting in 2006.
Hoffinger is done with direct. Necheles is handling cross.
Daniels confirmed she was both the “horseface” and “sleaze bag” Trump was talking about in the post, but testified Trump's claims were not true, as she had seen and talked to him multiple times since their Lake Tahoe meeting in 2006.
Hoffinger is done with direct. Necheles is handling cross.
Daniels Speaks About Media Appearances
Daniels testified that she went on to give multiple media interviews, including one with Anderson Cooper, so that her daughter would have an account to look back on from her mother’s perspective. She eventually hired then-attorney Michael Avenatti to try to get out of the NDA she had signed with Trump. Asked whether Avenatti is still her lawyer, Daniels replies with a drawn-out, “Nooo.”
(Avenatti is in prison for embezzling money from clients, including Daniels.)
(Avenatti is in prison for embezzling money from clients, including Daniels.)
Daniels Says Wall Street Journal Bombshell Created ‘Chaos’ In Her Life
When the Wall Street Journal published a story on the hush money payment to Daniels in January 2018, she said that it created “chaos” in her life. The story “blew my cover,” Daniels testified, recalling how she was shunned from her equestrian community and from her daughter’s friend groups.
Daniels said that she initially did not want to sign the two denials issued on her behalf on Jan. 10, 2018, and Jan. 30, 2018. She did so, however, on advice from her attorney and manager.
Daniels said that her manager set up her “Jimmy Kimmel” interview that aired Jan. 30, 2018 in order to “give an example of how I could go on to do promotions and things and not break the NDA.” But she pulled a trick with the statement she signed shortly beforehand denying the affair with Trump. She said she made her “Stormy Daniels” signature look different than all her others, to try and tip Kimmel off to its inauthenticity.
“Is this statement false?” Hoffinger asked.
“Yes,” Daniels said.
Daniels said that she initially did not want to sign the two denials issued on her behalf on Jan. 10, 2018, and Jan. 30, 2018. She did so, however, on advice from her attorney and manager.
Daniels said that her manager set up her “Jimmy Kimmel” interview that aired Jan. 30, 2018 in order to “give an example of how I could go on to do promotions and things and not break the NDA.” But she pulled a trick with the statement she signed shortly beforehand denying the affair with Trump. She said she made her “Stormy Daniels” signature look different than all her others, to try and tip Kimmel off to its inauthenticity.
“Is this statement false?” Hoffinger asked.
“Yes,” Daniels said.
Eric Trump: ‘They Don’t Give A S**t About The Merits Of This Case’
Trump’s son Eric is in the audience for today’s proceedings. In a post on social media over the break, he sought to diminish his dad’s legal trouble as stemming from “garbage from 20 years ago.”
“To be clear, they don’t give a s**t about the merits of this case,” he wrote. It’s unclear who he means by “they.”
He added in a followup post, “Pure EXTORTION!!!!”
“To be clear, they don’t give a s**t about the merits of this case,” he wrote. It’s unclear who he means by “they.”
He added in a followup post, “Pure EXTORTION!!!!”
Daniels Resumes Testimony In Less Detail
Back on the witness stand, most of her hair pulled back in a dark-colored claw clip, Daniels read a message from Keith Davidson to Michael Cohen from an email dated Oct. 17, 2016, in which Davidson informs Cohen that Daniels wants to cancel the contract if no funds were received by the end of the day. Davidson followed up to say he and his client considered the agreement null and void.
Daniels reveals that she spoke with Slate for an unpaid interview around this time.
The nondisclosure agreement was revived, however, by the end of the month. Daniels said she walked away with roughly $96,000, after fees paid to her attorney and management. She said she wanted to respect the terms of the NDA.
Daniels reveals that she spoke with Slate for an unpaid interview around this time.
The nondisclosure agreement was revived, however, by the end of the month. Daniels said she walked away with roughly $96,000, after fees paid to her attorney and management. She said she wanted to respect the terms of the NDA.
Prosecutor Steps Out To Better Instruct Stormy Daniels
Hoffinger stepped out of the courtroom to give Daniels clearer instruction on how to answer questions without giving away too much information.
Trump Argues For ‘MISTRIAL’ In Lunchtime Truth Social Post
Trump argued for a mistrial in social media post shared over the lunch break, apparently incensed by the at-times intimate testimony offered by Daniels this morning.
“THE PROSECUTION, WHICH HAS NO CASE, HAS GONE TOO FAR. MISTRIAL!” Trump wrote in all caps.
Trump attorney Todd Blanche urged Judge Merchan to declare a mistrial to no avail.
“THE PROSECUTION, WHICH HAS NO CASE, HAS GONE TOO FAR. MISTRIAL!” Trump wrote in all caps.
Trump attorney Todd Blanche urged Judge Merchan to declare a mistrial to no avail.
Merchan Refuses To Declare Mistrial
Merchan told the courtroom he believed there were “some things that were probably better left unsaid” in Daniels’ testimony. But he added, “In fairness to the People, I think the witness was a little difficult to control."
The judge said he does not think we are "at a point” where a mistrial is warranted, and declined to grant the request.
Merchan also encouraged the defense to lodge more objections, referring to a point from the morning where he voiced an objection himself.
“The court has done everything that I can possibly do,” Merchan said. “You have the remedy of cross-examination.”
The judge said he does not think we are "at a point” where a mistrial is warranted, and declined to grant the request.
Merchan also encouraged the defense to lodge more objections, referring to a point from the morning where he voiced an objection himself.
“The court has done everything that I can possibly do,” Merchan said. “You have the remedy of cross-examination.”
Blanche Slams Daniels’ Testimony, Asks Judge To Delcare Mistrial
Blanche ran down a long list of complaints about Daniels’ testimony from the morning session, calling her story as it was shared on the stand “way different” than what she was “peddling” in 2016. He pointed to details Daniels shared about “blacking out” during sex with Trump and her comment on “the power dynamic” as examples. (Daniels was very careful to specify that she did not believe she was drunk or drugged.)
“The court set guardrails for this testimony and the guardrails … were just flung to the side,” Blanche said. Although jurors were instructed to disregard certain responses Daniels gave, Blanche said his side was afraid there was “no way to un-ring the bell.”
“All of this has nothing to do with this case and is extraordinarily prejudicial,” Blanche said.
“There should be a mistrial,” Blanche told the judge.
Hoffinger countered that prosecutors were "extremely mindful about not eliciting too much testimony," and that details such as Trump's lack of condom use had been made public in recent years.
“The court set guardrails for this testimony and the guardrails … were just flung to the side,” Blanche said. Although jurors were instructed to disregard certain responses Daniels gave, Blanche said his side was afraid there was “no way to un-ring the bell.”
“All of this has nothing to do with this case and is extraordinarily prejudicial,” Blanche said.
“There should be a mistrial,” Blanche told the judge.
Hoffinger countered that prosecutors were "extremely mindful about not eliciting too much testimony," and that details such as Trump's lack of condom use had been made public in recent years.
Trump & Son Are Back
Trump reentered the courtroom without speaking to reporters pooled in the hallway. Eric Trump is also back.
NYC ‘Ready’ Should Trump Find Himself In Jail, Mayor Says
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the city has discussed the possibility of Trump being incarcerated, a hypothetical that gets more and more likely with Trump’s repeated gag order violations.
“They're professionals,” Adams told reporters of the NYC Department of Corrections. “They’ll be ready.”
“They're professionals,” Adams told reporters of the NYC Department of Corrections. “They’ll be ready.”
Will Trump Attend His Son's Graduation?
Trump urged Judge Merchan to let him attend his son's graduation, a plea Merchan granted. Now it seems Trump might have other plans in store.
Read more here:
Read more here:
As Cohen Delayed Payment, Daniels Got Nervous
Speaking very quickly, Daniels began to express her concern about not being paid promptly. But then, Merchan called for a lunch break.
Trump wore a stern expression as he left court.
Trump wore a stern expression as he left court.
Daniels Was Happy To Sell Story To Cohen, Didn’t Want The Publicity
Daniels spoke about deciding to sell her story once Trump announced his 2016 run for the presidency, in order to set the record straight and make a small profit. But it wasn’t until the “Access Hollywood” tape was published in early October 2016 that her manager, Gina Rodriguez, got any bites. Daniels said she was actually pleased to learn that Trump’s attorney, Cohen, wanted to buy the rights to her story in order to keep it from getting out.
“They were interested in paying for the story which was the best thing that could happen,” Daniels said, noting how she did not want her husband to know about the sexual encounter with Trump. Asked why she didn’t ask for more money, Daniels said, “I didn’t care about the money.” At the time, she said, her career was taking off.
Davidson, Daniels' attorney at the time, arranged for her to sign an NDA. An email between the attorneys was shown for the jury.
Daniels said she was eager to get the deal wrapped up before the election, fearing that it would peter out and she would not be “safe” otherwise.
“They were interested in paying for the story which was the best thing that could happen,” Daniels said, noting how she did not want her husband to know about the sexual encounter with Trump. Asked why she didn’t ask for more money, Daniels said, “I didn’t care about the money.” At the time, she said, her career was taking off.
Davidson, Daniels' attorney at the time, arranged for her to sign an NDA. An email between the attorneys was shown for the jury.
Daniels said she was eager to get the deal wrapped up before the election, fearing that it would peter out and she would not be “safe” otherwise.
Stormy Daniels Spoke With InTouch Magazine In 2011 For Story That Was Spiked
Daniels said she opted to speak with InTouch magazine in 2011, to discuss her relationship with Trump, set the record straight and make a bit of money off the story. She spoke on the phone with a reporter for about 10 minutes, but the story did not run at the time. (InTouch finally published a version of it in 2018.)
In June 2011, Daniels said she was “approached by a man in a parking lot in Las Vegas” who threatened her.
“He threatened me not to continue to tell my story,” she testified. She did not call the police, she said, because she was scared. (Daniels has also told this aspect of the story in the past.)
When a gossip blog, TheDirty, published a rumor about her affair with Trump, Daniels said she was "freaking out" at the potential publicity. She hired attorney Keith Davidson, and the blog post was taken down. Davidson testified earlier about receiving a panicked phone call from Cohen about the post, on behalf of Trump.
In June 2011, Daniels said she was “approached by a man in a parking lot in Las Vegas” who threatened her.
“He threatened me not to continue to tell my story,” she testified. She did not call the police, she said, because she was scared. (Daniels has also told this aspect of the story in the past.)
When a gossip blog, TheDirty, published a rumor about her affair with Trump, Daniels said she was "freaking out" at the potential publicity. She hired attorney Keith Davidson, and the blog post was taken down. Davidson testified earlier about receiving a panicked phone call from Cohen about the post, on behalf of Trump.
Daniels Says She Was ‘Ashamed’ Of Sexual Encounter With Trump
Daniels has been testifying about a handful of other run-ins she had with Trump, largely in the presence of other people. At one point, recalling her life in 2006 and 2007, she said she didn't tell the man she was dating about “the sexual part” of her relationship with Trump “because I was ashamed.”
During a more intimate meeting with Trump in Los Angeles in the summer of 2007, Daniels said that Trump tried to proposition her for sex again, but she told him she was menstruating. That was the last time she saw Trump in person, she said. She spoke to him once more before cutting off contact and moving on with her life. (Daniels has one daughter.)
During a more intimate meeting with Trump in Los Angeles in the summer of 2007, Daniels said that Trump tried to proposition her for sex again, but she told him she was menstruating. That was the last time she saw Trump in person, she said. She spoke to him once more before cutting off contact and moving on with her life. (Daniels has one daughter.)
Daniels Recalls Brief Trump Tower Meeting
Daniels said that she was “greeted warmly” at Trump Tower and went up to Trump’s office with her assistant for a discussion with Trump in March 2007.
“He was very busy,” she testified. “At one point he did step out and leave us in his office, and we took selfies.”
“[With Trump] it was always ‘I’m always still working on ‘The Apprentice’ thing,'” she said. Trump did not seem concerned about her presence, she said, noting how he introduced her to "everybody."
“He was very busy,” she testified. “At one point he did step out and leave us in his office, and we took selfies.”
“[With Trump] it was always ‘I’m always still working on ‘The Apprentice’ thing,'” she said. Trump did not seem concerned about her presence, she said, noting how he introduced her to "everybody."
Trump Kept Calling Daniels, She Testified
While she told “scores of people” that she met with Trump, Daniels testified that “the sex part I told very few people.” A photographer she described as her “best friend,” her makeup artist and an assistant were among those chosen few.
After their sexual encounter, Daniels said that Trump called her often, and she put him on speaker, saying she thought it was “funny.” She never told Trump he was on speaker. While Trump was dangling the "Apprentice" opportunity, she said she felt like she had to keep a relationship with him.
“Ms. Daniels, please just keep the answer short,’” Merchan told her at one point, apparently finding her answers too long-winded.
After their sexual encounter, Daniels said that Trump called her often, and she put him on speaker, saying she thought it was “funny.” She never told Trump he was on speaker. While Trump was dangling the "Apprentice" opportunity, she said she felt like she had to keep a relationship with him.
“Ms. Daniels, please just keep the answer short,’” Merchan told her at one point, apparently finding her answers too long-winded.
Daniels Briefly Describes Sex With Trump
Daniels said she was sober at the time and did not feel particularly threatened by Trump’s presence.
“There was an imbalance of power for sure,” she said, noting the presence of Trump's bodyguard nearby, “but I was not threatened verbally or physically.”
Upon mention of the “missionary position,” an attorney for the defense voiced an objection, which Merchan sustained.
Daniels said Trump was not wearing a condom. She stared up at the ceiling during the encounter. Upon her departure, Trump called her "honeybunch," she testified, adding that bade her goodbye with a suggestion to meet up again soon.
They never ended up having dinner.
“There was an imbalance of power for sure,” she said, noting the presence of Trump's bodyguard nearby, “but I was not threatened verbally or physically.”
Upon mention of the “missionary position,” an attorney for the defense voiced an objection, which Merchan sustained.
Daniels said Trump was not wearing a condom. She stared up at the ceiling during the encounter. Upon her departure, Trump called her "honeybunch," she testified, adding that bade her goodbye with a suggestion to meet up again soon.
They never ended up having dinner.
Merchan Tells Prosecution Not To Get Bogged Down In Details
The judge told prosecutors that the level of detail Daniels had been going into was too much, saying we did not need to know about the floor of Trump’s hotel room, for example. He asked her to move it along.
But with Daniels back on the stand and jurors seated once more, Daniels kept recounting her evening with Trump in Lake Tahoe — in detail. She looked through Trump’s toiletry bag while she went to use the bathroom, finding Old Spice and Pert Plus items lying alongside “gold tweezers.”
By the time she came out, Trump was on the bed wearing only his boxers. Daniels likened the moment to a “jump scare.” She said a thought crossed her mind: “What did I misread to get here?”
“I just thought to myself, ‘Great. I put myself in this bad situation,'" Daniels said.
Daniels said Trump implied that she should have to have sex with him if she wanted to advance her career. Then, a sidebar.
But with Daniels back on the stand and jurors seated once more, Daniels kept recounting her evening with Trump in Lake Tahoe — in detail. She looked through Trump’s toiletry bag while she went to use the bathroom, finding Old Spice and Pert Plus items lying alongside “gold tweezers.”
By the time she came out, Trump was on the bed wearing only his boxers. Daniels likened the moment to a “jump scare.” She said a thought crossed her mind: “What did I misread to get here?”
“I just thought to myself, ‘Great. I put myself in this bad situation,'" Daniels said.
Daniels said Trump implied that she should have to have sex with him if she wanted to advance her career. Then, a sidebar.
Trump Looks Away From Witness Stand As Stormy Testifies
Trump has largely stared at a monitor in front of him to watch Daniels’ testimony, and appears to be avoiding looking at her on the witness stand.
The former president also didn't appear to look at Daniels as she walked past his table when the court took its morning recess.
The former president also didn't appear to look at Daniels as she walked past his table when the court took its morning recess.
Trump Silently Exits, Reenters Courtroom For Morning Break
The former president said nothing and remained expressionless as he exited the courtroom for a morning break and returned a few minutes later.
Daniels Retells Trump Hotel Room Story
Impatient for dinner, Daniels said she interrupted Trump while he talked endlessly about himself and showed her a copy of a new magazine that featured him.
“Are you always this rude?” Daniels said she told Trump. “You don’t even know how to have a conversation,” she recalled telling him. Daniels said she remembered telling Trump that someone should “slap” him with the magazine, and he ended up allowing her to do so. Trump's demeanor relaxed afterward, she said.
Trump told her that he reminded her of his daughter, who was also “blonde” and “smart,” Daniels testified.
Later, Trump suggested that Daniels might appear on his show “The Apprentice,” although she said she did not fully believe him. But she had ambitions to write and direct films with larger budgets, and to be "taken seriously," not seen as an "airhead."
(She has told this story publicly in the past.)
“Are you always this rude?” Daniels said she told Trump. “You don’t even know how to have a conversation,” she recalled telling him. Daniels said she remembered telling Trump that someone should “slap” him with the magazine, and he ended up allowing her to do so. Trump's demeanor relaxed afterward, she said.
Trump told her that he reminded her of his daughter, who was also “blonde” and “smart,” Daniels testified.
Later, Trump suggested that Daniels might appear on his show “The Apprentice,” although she said she did not fully believe him. But she had ambitions to write and direct films with larger budgets, and to be "taken seriously," not seen as an "airhead."
(She has told this story publicly in the past.)
Trump Wanted To Know Business Aspects Of Adult Film Industry, Daniels Says
“He was very interested in a lot of the business aspects of it, which I thought was very cool,” Daniels testified. Trump asked about things like residuals, unions and STD testing. (Tests are mandated every 14 days, Daniels said.) She volunteered the information about her test history, saying she had never “tested positive for anything.” She also explained how she worked for a “condom-mandated company.”
Daniels wanted to know about wrestling, she said.
She has been asked multiple times to slow down in her testimony. Her tone has been bubbly and light.
Daniels wanted to know about wrestling, she said.
She has been asked multiple times to slow down in her testimony. Her tone has been bubbly and light.
Daniels Talks Meeting Trump At His Hotel Penthouse
Daniels said that she “didn’t really have any expectations” about the dinner, except that she would meet Trump at his hotel room before going down to a restaurant. She recalled the foyer of Trump’s penthouse room having a black-and-white tile floor and a “beautiful wood table” with a “big flower arrangement” on top.
“This hotel room was three times the size of my apartment,” she said.
Trump was wearing “silk or satin pajamas” when she first saw him, prompting her to make a joke about Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy magazine, she testified. Daniels said that she told him to change, and “he obliged, very politely.”
Daniels recalled roughly how the penthouse was laid out, and how the pair sat at a dining room table together. She told him about her childhood, and then her career.
“This hotel room was three times the size of my apartment,” she said.
Trump was wearing “silk or satin pajamas” when she first saw him, prompting her to make a joke about Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy magazine, she testified. Daniels said that she told him to change, and “he obliged, very politely.”
Daniels recalled roughly how the penthouse was laid out, and how the pair sat at a dining room table together. She told him about her childhood, and then her career.
Trump’s Bodyguard Helped Arrange Tryst
Daniels testified that Trump’s longtime bodyguard, Keith Schiller, took her cell phone number and sent her a text. She saved his number as “Keith Trump,” not knowing the bodyguard’s last name.
Daniels said that she considered the dinner with Trump a “really good excuse” to skip a work-related dinner that she did not want to attend.
“What could go wrong?” she recalled a friend telling her of the invitation.
Daniels said that she considered the dinner with Trump a “really good excuse” to skip a work-related dinner that she did not want to attend.
“What could go wrong?” she recalled a friend telling her of the invitation.
Key Moment
Stormy Daniels Recalls Meeting Donald Trump
Daniels said that she met Trump alongside other adult film stars at a celebrity golf tournament held near Lake Tahoe in 2006. She met him briefly on the golf course, and then later at the "gift room."
Trump remembered Daniels after their first meeting, she said, calling her “the smart one.” Someone then came back and asked her if she would have dinner with Trump, she said.
Daniels was asked to point to Trump in the courtroom, and she extended her arm and pointer finger in his direction. Jurors were shown a photo of Daniels and Trump from the “gift room” that later appeared in the Wall Street Journal’s reporting on the hush money payment to her. Trump is wearing a bright yellow polo in the photo, posing close to a smiling Daniels.
Trump remembered Daniels after their first meeting, she said, calling her “the smart one.” Someone then came back and asked her if she would have dinner with Trump, she said.
Daniels was asked to point to Trump in the courtroom, and she extended her arm and pointer finger in his direction. Jurors were shown a photo of Daniels and Trump from the “gift room” that later appeared in the Wall Street Journal’s reporting on the hush money payment to her. Trump is wearing a bright yellow polo in the photo, posing close to a smiling Daniels.
Daniels Once Ran For Office, But Not Seriously, She Says
Daniels flirted with a Senate run against Louisiana Sen. David Vitter (R) in 2009, even forming an exploratory committee, before ultimately deciding against it.
She told Fox News at the time she’d been recruited by a group of citizens unhappy with Vitter, but was worried it’d be perceived as a publicity stunt.
"If I'm the person to do that, then I'm willing to do everything I can in my power to make it to make it legit, and like I said, the best that I can do," she said at the time.
She told Fox News at the time she’d been recruited by a group of citizens unhappy with Vitter, but was worried it’d be perceived as a publicity stunt.
"If I'm the person to do that, then I'm willing to do everything I can in my power to make it to make it legit, and like I said, the best that I can do," she said at the time.
Daniels Talks About Her Background
Daniels is walking the jurors through her background, explaining how her mother was “very neglectful” and “would disappear for days at a time,” so she moved out as soon as she could, at age 17. Daniels said she has been supporting herself ever since.
She said that she started appearing in adult films in her early 20s in order to make more money, at the advice of a female friend. She also had parts in non-adult content, like the movie “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.”
She said that she started appearing in adult films in her early 20s in order to make more money, at the advice of a female friend. She also had parts in non-adult content, like the movie “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.”
Key Moment
'The People Call Stormy Daniels'
As their next witness, prosecutors called Daniels, who arrived in court dressed in black, with her blonde hair piled atop her head. She puts on a pair of dark-rimmed glasses for direct examination.
Daniels affirms that she has also been known as Stephanie Clifford, but prefers Stormy Daniels. Growing up in Louisiana, she originally wanted to be a veterinarian.
Daniels affirms that she has also been known as Stephanie Clifford, but prefers Stormy Daniels. Growing up in Louisiana, she originally wanted to be a veterinarian.
Books Give Jurors Insight Into Trump's Hands-On Business Practices
Mangold pushed back on the idea that Trump’s books were crafted with little input from the main author. Franklin affirmed that the books contained the type of personal details that are usually provided by the author, not the ghostwriter.
Mangold also repeatedly highlighted passages in which Trump emphasizes how hands-on he is with his business, signing checks by hand and paying close attention to expenses.
People know “you’re watching them” when they see “your signature at the bottom of a check,” Franklin read from “Think Like A Billionaire.”
Mangold also repeatedly highlighted passages in which Trump emphasizes how hands-on he is with his business, signing checks by hand and paying close attention to expenses.
People know “you’re watching them” when they see “your signature at the bottom of a check,” Franklin read from “Think Like A Billionaire.”
Trump Team Tries Sowing Doubt On Book Content
Blanche asked Franklin to speak about the “ghostwriters” on Trump’s books, suggesting he was not in complete control of what was published. Franklin said she was not sure what exactly the secondary writers did or how they were compensated. Blanche also lightly pushed back on the idea that Trump was dictating the cover design of his titles.
“Our goal is to make the authors happy,” Franklin said. “We also want to sell the book.”
On redirect for the prosecution, Mangold has Franklin affirm that “the ghostwriter works for the author.”
“Our goal is to make the authors happy,” Franklin said. “We also want to sell the book.”
On redirect for the prosecution, Mangold has Franklin affirm that “the ghostwriter works for the author.”
Portions Of Trump’s Books Are Shown To The Jury, Showcasing His Business Sense
The cover of 2004’s “Trump: How To Get Rich” is shown to the jury, featuring a grinning Trump below the line, “Big deals from the star of ‘The Apprentice.’” The title page is then shown. Asked what portion of the pages are taken up by Trump’s surname, Franklin says that “TRUMP” appears to take up around 30% of the cover and around 25% of the title page.
Franklin is then asked to read short passages from the book, such as the title to certain chapters: “Be A General” and “Sometimes You Still Have To Screw Them.”
“Like it says in the Bible, an eye for an eye,” Franklin said, reading from Trump’s book. Another passage read: “All the women on ‘The Apprentice’ flirted with me, consciously or unconsciously. That’s to be expected.”
The cover of 2005’s “Trump: Think Like A Billionaire” is then shown. “TRUMP” once again takes up around a third of the space, Franklin affirms. Franklin read chapter titles such as, “How To Pinch Pennies.”
“Penny-pinching, you bet — I’m all for it. As I’ve said before, I always sign my checks, so I know where my money’s going,” read one passage from the book that went on to describe how Trump is willing to bargain even at high-end stores. “Numbers that seem trivial add up and have enormous implications,” Franklin read from Trump’s book.
In another section, Trump sang the praises of his now-former chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, who is currently in prison for perjury.
Franklin is then asked to read short passages from the book, such as the title to certain chapters: “Be A General” and “Sometimes You Still Have To Screw Them.”
“Like it says in the Bible, an eye for an eye,” Franklin said, reading from Trump’s book. Another passage read: “All the women on ‘The Apprentice’ flirted with me, consciously or unconsciously. That’s to be expected.”
The cover of 2005’s “Trump: Think Like A Billionaire” is then shown. “TRUMP” once again takes up around a third of the space, Franklin affirms. Franklin read chapter titles such as, “How To Pinch Pennies.”
“Penny-pinching, you bet — I’m all for it. As I’ve said before, I always sign my checks, so I know where my money’s going,” read one passage from the book that went on to describe how Trump is willing to bargain even at high-end stores. “Numbers that seem trivial add up and have enormous implications,” Franklin read from Trump’s book.
In another section, Trump sang the praises of his now-former chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, who is currently in prison for perjury.
Next Witness: A Penguin Random House Representative
Daniels is expected today, but first we have Sally Franklin, an executive who has worked at Penguin Random House for more than a decade. She is here under subpoena.
Franklin affirms that Penguin published some of Trump’s titles, including “Trump: How To Get Rich” and “Trump: Think Like A Billionaire.”
Franklin affirms that Penguin published some of Trump’s titles, including “Trump: How To Get Rich” and “Trump: Think Like A Billionaire.”
Prosecution To Judge :‘No Descriptions Of Genitalia’ In Response To Trump Team’s Objection On Daniels Testimony
With jurors not yet seated, Trump attorney Susan Necheles renewed her side’s objection to Daniels’ testimony about any details relating to “sexual acts” between the porn star and Trump. Attorney Susan Hoffinger countered that some details were necessary to establish Daniels as a credible witness. The full conversation between Trump and Daniels in a Lake Tahoe hotel room, for example, was “very, very important,” Hoffinger said. But any sexual descriptions elicited from her team would be “very basic" and include "no descriptions of genitalia.”
“I agree with you that she’s got credibility issues,” Merchan said, siding with the prosecution.
Daniels will be the second witness called today, Necheles revealed.
“I agree with you that she’s got credibility issues,” Merchan said, siding with the prosecution.
Daniels will be the second witness called today, Necheles revealed.
Trump & Son Have Arrived In Court
Trump's facial expression gave nothing away as he made his way to his table at the front of the courtroom. He is dressed in a shiny marigold tie and blue suit.
Eric Trump accompanied his father to court again, this time to hear expected testimony from a porn star.
Eric Trump accompanied his father to court again, this time to hear expected testimony from a porn star.
AP
Stormy Daniels Is Expected As A Witness Today
Stormy Daniels is expected to appear as a witness in the trial today, her attorney told AP.
Trump earlier posted and then deleted on his Truth Social platform, "I have just recently been told who the witness is today. This is unprecedented, no time for lawyers to prepare. No Judge has ever run a trial in such a biased and partisan way."
Trump earlier posted and then deleted on his Truth Social platform, "I have just recently been told who the witness is today. This is unprecedented, no time for lawyers to prepare. No Judge has ever run a trial in such a biased and partisan way."
Prosecution's Case Is Ahead Of Schedule
The prosecution's case is moving along ahead of schedule, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass told Judge Merchan on Monday afternoon.
Steinglass estimated their side would be finished calling witnesses two weeks from Tuesday. Once they are finished, Trump's lawyers can call their own witnesses, the AP reported.
Steinglass estimated their side would be finished calling witnesses two weeks from Tuesday. Once they are finished, Trump's lawyers can call their own witnesses, the AP reported.
Trump Posts, Then Deletes, Complaint About Witness
Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Tuesday morning before his trial started for the day to offer his thoughts on the day's witness and to complain about his gag order.
"I have just recently been told who the witness is today. This is unprecedented, no time for lawyers to prepare. No Judge has ever run a trial in such a biased and partisan way. He is CROOKED & HIGHLY CONFLICTED, even taking away my First Amendment Rights. Now he’s threatening me with JAIL, & THEY HAVE NO CASE - This according to virtually all Legal Scholars & Experts! Why isn’t the Fake News Media reporting his Conflict?" he wrote, again falsely complaining that his First Amendment rights have been taken away.
Prosecutors haven't yet publicly indicated what witnesses will be called today.
However, he appeared to delete the post about 15 minutes later.
"I have just recently been told who the witness is today. This is unprecedented, no time for lawyers to prepare. No Judge has ever run a trial in such a biased and partisan way. He is CROOKED & HIGHLY CONFLICTED, even taking away my First Amendment Rights. Now he’s threatening me with JAIL, & THEY HAVE NO CASE - This according to virtually all Legal Scholars & Experts! Why isn’t the Fake News Media reporting his Conflict?" he wrote, again falsely complaining that his First Amendment rights have been taken away.
Prosecutors haven't yet publicly indicated what witnesses will be called today.
However, he appeared to delete the post about 15 minutes later.
Donald Trump Misconstrues Gag Order After Court, Complains About It
After court, Trump complained about the gag order to reporters and misrepresented its scope, saying he was unable to even answer “simple questions” because of it.
“I can’t talk about it because this judge has given me a gag order and said you’ll go to jail if you violate it,” he said.
The order permits Trump to discuss the case, but he cannot attack witnesses, the jury or courthouse staff beyond the district attorney or the judge.
The former president seemed to welcome the possibility of jail time should he continue to violate the gag order, presenting it as a false dichotomy necessary to protect the U.S. Constitution.
“Frankly, you know what, our constitution is much more important than jail, it’s not even close,” he said. “I’ll do that sacrifice any day. “
Trump has previously claimed the gag order would prevent him from testifying in his own defense, which is false.
“I can’t talk about it because this judge has given me a gag order and said you’ll go to jail if you violate it,” he said.
The order permits Trump to discuss the case, but he cannot attack witnesses, the jury or courthouse staff beyond the district attorney or the judge.
The former president seemed to welcome the possibility of jail time should he continue to violate the gag order, presenting it as a false dichotomy necessary to protect the U.S. Constitution.
“Frankly, you know what, our constitution is much more important than jail, it’s not even close,” he said. “I’ll do that sacrifice any day. “
Trump has previously claimed the gag order would prevent him from testifying in his own defense, which is false.
Donald Trump's Hush Money Trial Is Done For The Day
With that scheduling note concluded, the judge calls it a day. Trump leaves the courtroom with Eric not far behind, both of them swiveling their heads casually around the room. Longstreet, the witness to be recalled, briefly chats and laughs with a colleague in the district attorney’s office, Rebecca Mangold, one of the prosecutors working this case.
Prosecution Says They’ll Need ‘Two Weeks From Tomorrow’ To Finish Presenting Evidence
In a discussion between attorneys after the jury left the room, Steinglass says the prosecution will need “about two more weeks” to make its case: “This week, next week, possibly the week after.” This came after a debate on whether it was appropriate to recall an earlier witness, the district attorney's office paralegal Georgia Longstreet. Prosecutors say a logistical matter interfered with what would have been the evidence introduced through her on Friday.
Blanche, for the defense, was quite upset at this, saying it was prejudicial to have to cross-examine Longstreet again after the defense assumed prosecutors had introduced all the evidence through her that they intended to introduce.
After prosecutors tell the judge they intended to introduce just three more exhibits through Longstreet, and said they expected to recall her on Thursday or Friday, Merchan says he’ll allow it, but asks the prosecution to give the defense 24 hours notice to prepare for exhibits she’ll be introducing.
Blanche, for the defense, was quite upset at this, saying it was prejudicial to have to cross-examine Longstreet again after the defense assumed prosecutors had introduced all the evidence through her that they intended to introduce.
After prosecutors tell the judge they intended to introduce just three more exhibits through Longstreet, and said they expected to recall her on Thursday or Friday, Merchan says he’ll allow it, but asks the prosecution to give the defense 24 hours notice to prepare for exhibits she’ll be introducing.
Prosecutors Say ‘Just Not True’ That Donald Trump's Defense Hasn’t Known About Exhibits
Referring to a dispute this morning, Steinglass is running through all of the various times prosecutors have shared exhibit and witness lists with the defense. They’ve kept the specific witness order private until the day of a given witness' testimony, he says, because the “defendant has been violating the order” against extrajudicial speech. He’s now discussing an earlier witness, Georgia Longstreet, a paralegal with the district attorney's office. It appears they want to bring Longstreet back in order to discuss social media posts from Trump as well as text messages.
That material, Steinglass says, is "relevant to a subsequent witness's testimony."
Blanche counters that “We did not know which exhibits [prosecutors] would be trying to offer through that witness” and that, though he could be wrong, Longstreet was not on the witness list.
That material, Steinglass says, is "relevant to a subsequent witness's testimony."
Blanche counters that “We did not know which exhibits [prosecutors] would be trying to offer through that witness” and that, though he could be wrong, Longstreet was not on the witness list.
The Trial Is Stopping A Bit Early Today
The judge is giving his typical end-of-day instructions to the jury, telling them we're stopping a bit early.
Defense Tries To Separate Donald Trump From Accounting Process, Then Ends Questions Of Witness
Blanche just walked Tasaroff through the checks and accounting process that we’ve been talking about all day. She confirms that, aside from processing checks through FedEx to Trump, she didn’t know much about the route those checks took. And she confirms that she didn’t get accounting approvals from Trump directly. After a few short questions, Blanche concludes his questioning and Tarasoff was dismissed as a witness. Now, attorneys from both sides are approaching the bench for a conference with the judge.
Defense Begins Cross-Examination Of Deborah Tasaroff
Blanche has begun his cross-examination of Tasaroff, getting her to confirm the description of the Trump Organization as a “family business.”
Trump has fully turned in his seat, right arm draped over the back of the chair, to observe Blanche directly.
Trump has fully turned in his seat, right arm draped over the back of the chair, to observe Blanche directly.
Witness Testimony So Far Shows Tiny Trump Accounting Operation
I want to echo what I’ve read today in a couple other outlets including The New York Times and CNN: McConney and Tasaroff’s testimony emphasizes just how small the Trump Organization’s accounting department is — really just a few people. With the help of some decades-old software, the pair of witnesses today worked with top legal and financial executives – and often with Trump’s personal signature approval – to process the Trump Organization’s bills, including checks from Trump’s own personal account.
Prosecution Continues To Go Through Check Details
“I think as we were walking through those exhibits I missed one,” Conroy begins before identifying the record, eliciting at least a couple resigned smiles from jurors, who have at this point listened to hours of accounting details regarding these checks.
Court Back In Session
The jury is back in the courtroom, and Tarasoff has returned to the witness stand. Walking into the courtroom, she appeared to briefly give Eric Trump a friendly tap as she passed him.
Time For Afternoon Recess
Mercifully, Merchan just called an afternoon recess in the middle of the dry recitation of Trump organization accounting practices. Trump and his crew, with Eric Trump in the middle, sauntered out of the courtroom shortly after Tarasoff made her way through the side door for witnesses.
Get Caught Up On Trump’s Trial So Far
- Two witnesses testified on Monday: Jeffrey McConney, a former Trump Organization corporate controller, and Deborah Tarasoff, an accounts payable supervisor who still works at the Trump Organization.
- Both McConney and Tarasoff were involved in the administrative acts of reimbursing Cohen for his hush money payment to Daniels. Other expenses and a tax-avoidance scheme put the grand total of Cohen’s reimbursement at $420,000, which was paid over the course of Trump’s first year in office.
- Since opening statements on April 22, more than 10 witnesses have taken the stand. They have included David Pecker, the former head of American Media Inc. and the National Enquirer who agreed to help Trump’s 2016 campaign; Hope Hicks, who handled communications for Trump’s campaign and later his administration; and Keith Davidson, a former attorney for McDougal and Daniels who funneled payments to those clients.
- The first two weeks appeared to establish the ultimate goal of the hush money payment, according to prosecutors, which was to influence the outcome of the 2016 election.
- This week, however, gets into the nitty-gritty details of the business records which were allegedly falsified; payments to Cohen were reimbursed as “legal expenses.”
- Trump’s family has been represented in court by Eric Trump, who appeared last week and again on Monday, and seems to be following attentively.
- Merchan warned Trump that any further gag order violations — attacks on the court and jurors that could taint the trial — could land him in jail. Trump has been fined $10,000 for 10 separate violations so far.
Donald Trump’s Bold Sharpie Signature, In A Check To Michael Cohen
Starting in April 2017, the source of payments to Cohen switched from Trump’s trust to Trump’s personal account. And so for this April payment, Trump’s signature was required. It was quite a striking moment when the prosecution pulled the image up: Trump’s signature, among the most recognizable in American history, and at the time belonging to the president of the United States, on a check that prosecutors allege was used to reimburse Cohen for hush money given to cover up an affair.
Of note, Trump signed the April check for Cohen in June because, the evidence shows, an earlier check was apparently lost and canceled
Of note, Trump signed the April check for Cohen in June because, the evidence shows, an earlier check was apparently lost and canceled
Prosecution Walks Witness Through Monthly Checks To Michael Cohen
As with McConney, Tarasoff is now confirming details about the monthly payments to Cohen, including classifications of the payments as legal expenses and as part of Cohen’s “retainer.” The prosecution is being careful to note that accounting numbers handwritten by Tarasoff on Cohen’s emailed invoices match those in the Trump Organization’s accounting system, and also that there are checks and check stubs corresponding to these payments. Reviewing one such check, Tarasoff identifies the signatures on it as belonging to Donald Trump, Jr. and Alan Weisselberg.
On an April invoice, Tarasoff confirms that the source of the payments is different than months past, changing from Trump’s trust to Trump’s personal account.
On an April invoice, Tarasoff confirms that the source of the payments is different than months past, changing from Trump’s trust to Trump’s personal account.
Check Shows First Payment To Michael Cohen
Conroy, for the prosecution, is walking Tarasoff through a single check stub showing two $35,000 payments marked “retainer” for January and February of 2017. After that, the prosecution brings up the image of the check itself – complete with the printed note, “two signatures needed on amounts over $10,000” – for $70,000 to Michael Cohen. Tarasoff identifies the two signatures on the check as belonging to Eric Trump and Alan Weisselberg. The check includes three computer-printed “VOID” stamps that Tarasoff explains were added when photocopying the check.
(Eric, sitting next to attorney Alina Habba and behind his father, is following the trial and watching the exhibits as they appear on screen.)
(Eric, sitting next to attorney Alina Habba and behind his father, is following the trial and watching the exhibits as they appear on screen.)
Accounting Witness Describes Turning Emailed Invoices Into Accounting Records
We just took a look at the email thread that came up earlier today, in which Cohen describes his “retainer” payments with the Trump Organization accounting department. The prosecution walks Tarasoff through a stamp on one such document containing various indicators – including “DJTREV,” a reference to the Trump Revocable Trust, and various voucher numbers. After that, Tarasoff explains a separate document, a print-out of an accounting software record, showing corresponding voucher numbers. The prosecution is showing, basically, how Cohen’s emailed invoices were processed through the Trump Organization’s accounting system.
Witness Says ‘We Would Send [Checks] To The White House" For Trump To Sign
Re-emphasizing a detail from McConney’s testimony, the prosecution is drilling down on checks to be sent from Trump’s personal account: “We would send them to the White House for him to sign,” Tarasoff says of the checks from Trump’s personal account.
The Trump Organization used FedEx to send the checks to Washington, D.C., and they would come back signed by Trump, she testifies.
The Trump Organization used FedEx to send the checks to Washington, D.C., and they would come back signed by Trump, she testifies.
Trump Org’s Accounts Payable Supervisor Explains How Trump Voided Checks
Re-hashing some of the same ground they covered with McConney, the controller, the prosecution – this time Christopher Conroy – is asking Tarasoff about the accounting structure of the Trump Organization. So far this includes talking about accounting software, general ledgers, invoices and the fact that checks over $10,000 needed the approval of Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., or Donald Trump himself.
For Trump’s personal account, the former president's own signature was needed for all checks, no matter the amount, Tarasoff testifies. And if he didn’t want to sign a check, he would write “VOID” on it – in black sharpie, the Trump choice.
Trump signed checks for his personal account even after he became president, Tarasoff testifies.
For Trump’s personal account, the former president's own signature was needed for all checks, no matter the amount, Tarasoff testifies. And if he didn’t want to sign a check, he would write “VOID” on it – in black sharpie, the Trump choice.
Trump signed checks for his personal account even after he became president, Tarasoff testifies.
‘I Cut Checks’: Trump Org’s Accounts Payable Supervisor Explains Her Job
“I get approved bills, I enter them into the system, and I cut checks,” explained Tarasoff just now during a series of questions about her work. She works on the 26th floor of the Trump Organization, along with the legal department and Trump’s office – and along with Michael Cohen, when was working for Trump, Tarasoff confirmed.
Describing Alan Weisselberg, the Trump Organization’s former CFO, Tarasoff said he “had his hands in everything.”
Describing Alan Weisselberg, the Trump Organization’s former CFO, Tarasoff said he “had his hands in everything.”
Witness From Trump Organization Accounts Payable Takes Stand
Tarasoff, with short gray hair and a slow gait, just made her way to the witness stand holding a plastic water bottle. She says she’s currently employed in the organization’s accounts payable department, that she’s worked for the Trump Organization for around 24 years, and that the Trump Organization is paying for her attorney. Her highest education is high school, after which she worked at Liberty Mutual, then worked for an attorney paying bills. After 17 years in that job, she stopped working to take care of her children, then started working again after her husband passed away. She eventually began working for the Trump Organization.
“There’s a bunch” of organizations in the Trump Organization, she explained, near the start of a series of questions about the company.
“There’s a bunch” of organizations in the Trump Organization, she explained, near the start of a series of questions about the company.
Donald Trump's Defense Objects To Certain Banking Records Being Admitted In Trial
Referring to certain canceled check records, Bove says – this is before the jury has entered – that information on them could be considered hearsay, given the information might have been generated by Capitol One rather than Tarasoff herself.
“There’s all kinds of information stamped on this check, all kinds of information [presumably from] Capitol One,” Bove says. “There’s a lot of information on this check that I don’t think the witness can explain.”
The judge sides with the prosecution, that Tarasoff will be able to say that she generated the check and delivered it to the bank.
“We believe this is the business record of a bank, and that’s our objection,” Bove concludes.
“Okay, noted, overruled,” Merchan says before bringing in the jury.
“There’s all kinds of information stamped on this check, all kinds of information [presumably from] Capitol One,” Bove says. “There’s a lot of information on this check that I don’t think the witness can explain.”
The judge sides with the prosecution, that Tarasoff will be able to say that she generated the check and delivered it to the bank.
“We believe this is the business record of a bank, and that’s our objection,” Bove concludes.
“Okay, noted, overruled,” Merchan says before bringing in the jury.
Judge Arrives, Attorneys Discuss Next Witness: Deborah Tarasoff From Accounts Payable
Bove, for the defense, says they will have the same objection to exhibits discussed by this coming witness – Deborah Tarasoff, from the Trump Organization’s accounts payable office – as they had for the previous witness, namely that certain records aren’t business records and therefore shouldn’t be admitted. The defense brought up this objection with regard to Cohen’s invoices, but the judge overruled them. For Tarasoff, the defense grants that a given stamp on certain documents might be considered a business record, but the documents themselves should not be. At issue specifically appear to be canceled checks from Capitol One.
Donald Trump Back In The Courtroom, Trial About To Restart
The former president walked in quickly followed by his morning crew. The prosecution had arrived a few minutes prior. The judge and jury have yet to return.
Prosecution Confirms With Controller: ‘This Was All Happening Above Your Head?’
On redirect, Colangelo confirms with McConney that there were certain things that “Weisselberg kept you in the dark about?” that “this was all happening above your head?” and that, “you were told do do something and you did it?” After a couple more brief questions from Bove, we’re breaking for lunch.
Donald Trump's Defense Explains Away More Prosecution Documents
Continuing his effort to poke holes in the prosecution’s evidence, Bove confirms with McConney that “retainer agreements can be verbal” and that the various invoices from Cohen don’t describe the financial condition of the Trump organization. Turning to the checks to Cohen, Bove establishes with McConney that, initially, it wasn’t clear how Trump would personally pay the Cohen payments, so the president’s trust was initially used instead. “And when you learned Trump could pay, all the payments after that were out of trump’s personal account, right?” he asks. McConney confirms as much. He also focuses on the tax forms, stressing there’s no place to break out “legal services” versus expenses incurred by a lawyer during the course of those services. Turning “very briefly” to the Office of Government Ethics disclosure form, Bove stresses it includes not only Trump’s signature but also signatures from the ethics office itself signing off on the form – which included, as the prosecution laid out earlier, a footnote regarding the reimbursement to Cohen.
With that, the defense has nothing further.
With that, the defense has nothing further.
Trump's Defense Continues Trying To Weaken Documentary Evidence
Going back over the prosecution’s exhibits, Bove is trying to poke holes in each one, asking McConney to confirm (which he does) that the accounting software’s “legal expenses” category was a general label that came from a “dropdown menu,” that the software was a “bit antiquated,” that the discussions between McConney and Weisselberg concerning Cohen in 2017 were “very short” – perhaps less than five minutes each – and that McConney didn’t know specifically anything about what Cohen was being reimbursed for. Regarding the “times two for taxes” that went into accounting for the $420,000 sent to Cohen over 2017, McConney confirms that Weisselberg was not a tax accountant, and that he had no idea how Cohen treated the payments for tax purposes.
McConney Has ‘No Idea’ About Details Of Trump Trust
The Trump organization’s then-controller has “no idea” about whether the trust Trump established as president was accompanied by “detailed conflict of interest procedures,” or even if it was intended to avoid conflicts of interest, he told Bove.
McConney says he only saw a chart and one paragraph describing the trust. But he does know that there were over 500 entities in the trust from all corners of the Trump Organization.
Asked by Bove whether there was a “very real commercial risk to adverse publicity” for the Trump Organization, McConney responds, “I’m not a marketing person.” Prodded further, he says he understood the Trump Organization employed such professionals.
McConney says he only saw a chart and one paragraph describing the trust. But he does know that there were over 500 entities in the trust from all corners of the Trump Organization.
Asked by Bove whether there was a “very real commercial risk to adverse publicity” for the Trump Organization, McConney responds, “I’m not a marketing person.” Prodded further, he says he understood the Trump Organization employed such professionals.
Defense Tries To Distance McConney From Trump, Cohen
Emil Bove, for the defense, is getting McConney to confirm in rapid-fire succession that Trump had no knowledge of the accounting software his organization used, nor any specific knowledge of the events that McConney just discussed with the prosecution.
“Alan never told me” Trump had any knowledge of the payments, McConney confirms. McConney also confirms he didn’t speak to Cohen about “these issues,” in Bove’s words.
Bove stresses that during 2017, Cohen was using “Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump” in his signature block – not “fixer” or even a Trump organization email domain. For accounting purposes, Cohen was "akin to a vendor," Bove asks, and McConney confirms.
“Alan never told me” Trump had any knowledge of the payments, McConney confirms. McConney also confirms he didn’t speak to Cohen about “these issues,” in Bove’s words.
Bove stresses that during 2017, Cohen was using “Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump” in his signature block – not “fixer” or even a Trump organization email domain. For accounting purposes, Cohen was "akin to a vendor," Bove asks, and McConney confirms.
Emil Bove Begins Cross-Examination For Defense
Bove began by asking McConney to confirm that McConney had never met him before, which McConney did.
Asked if Michael Cohen was a lawyer at the time under discussion, McConney says "okay," drawing a laugh from the room.
Asked if Michael Cohen was a lawyer at the time under discussion, McConney says "okay," drawing a laugh from the room.
Trump’s Conflict Of Interest Form
After yet another overruled objection, the result of a brief sidebar, Colangelo is asking McConney about Trump’s 2017 Office of Government Ethics conflict of interest form. It’s signed and dated May 15, 2018, in thick sharpie, by Donald J. Trump.
“I’ve seen it many times,” McConney confirms of Trump’s signature. Colangelo zoomed in on one line on the form that announces, “in the interest of transparency,” an un-itemized expense incurred by Cohen and reimbursed by Trump,, which the form states is valued somewhere in the range of $100,001-250,000. Colangelo asks if that range is consistent with the $180,000 figure discussed earlier, to which McConney affirms that it is. With that, the prosecution has no further questions.
“I’ve seen it many times,” McConney confirms of Trump’s signature. Colangelo zoomed in on one line on the form that announces, “in the interest of transparency,” an un-itemized expense incurred by Cohen and reimbursed by Trump,, which the form states is valued somewhere in the range of $100,001-250,000. Colangelo asks if that range is consistent with the $180,000 figure discussed earlier, to which McConney affirms that it is. With that, the prosecution has no further questions.
Tax Forms Show Personal, Trump Trust Payments To Cohen
Two 1099 forms from Trump’s revocable trust and Trump’s personal account show $105,000 and $315,000 payments, respectively, to Michael Cohen in 2017. McConney just described the documents, which categorized the Cohen payments as “non-employee compensation.”
2018 Accounting Docs Don’t Show Any Legal Expense Payments To Cohen, Witness Confirms
Running through a document showing 2018 expenses paid from both Trump’s trust and Trump’s personal account, McConney confirms that neither shows a payment for legal fees to Michael Cohen. Prosecutors contrasted this with the documents for 2017, which do show supposed legal expense payments to Cohen – but which prosecutors allege were really mischaracterized reimbursements for hush money payments.
McConney Is Describing Spreadsheet Tracking Payments To Cohen
McConney is going through a prosecution exhibit he describes as a “query voucher,” or a list of payments. This document lists the payments to Michael Cohen.
McConney confirms the document shows all payments to Cohen in 2017. Handwriting on the side of the document includes two numbers – $105,000 and $315,000 – indicating the totals for the columns representing the payments to Cohen in the first three months of the agreement from Trump's trust, for the former, and from Trump's personal account, for the latter. The trust payments are written as “DJT Rev” – Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust.
The total of the payments is $420,000, echoing the testimony we just heard about the monthly payments of $35,000 to Cohen.
Editor's note: This post has been updated to correct the accounts each payment came from.
McConney confirms the document shows all payments to Cohen in 2017. Handwriting on the side of the document includes two numbers – $105,000 and $315,000 – indicating the totals for the columns representing the payments to Cohen in the first three months of the agreement from Trump's trust, for the former, and from Trump's personal account, for the latter. The trust payments are written as “DJT Rev” – Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust.
The total of the payments is $420,000, echoing the testimony we just heard about the monthly payments of $35,000 to Cohen.
Editor's note: This post has been updated to correct the accounts each payment came from.
Court Back In Session
McConney, the former Trump Organization controller, is back on the stand.
RedFinch, Rigging Polls And Boxing Gloves
In his testimony, McConney makes reference to a bank statement and payments made to Michael Cohen.
McConney confirms that $130,000 was to be reimbursement to Cohen for the Stormy Daniels payment, and $50,000 was for a payment to "RedFinch" for tech services.
As a reminder, RedFinch Solutions was the tech firm that Cohen reportedly hired to rig two online polls in Trump's favor in 2015, before Trump was even a presidential candidate. The attempts were unsuccessful.
In a bizarre twist, John Gauger, director of the firm, told The Wall Street Journal that Cohen gave him around $12,000 in a Walmart shopping bag that also contained a boxing glove Cohen said was from a Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter. Cohen denied paying for the firm’s services in cash.
McConney confirms that $130,000 was to be reimbursement to Cohen for the Stormy Daniels payment, and $50,000 was for a payment to "RedFinch" for tech services.
As a reminder, RedFinch Solutions was the tech firm that Cohen reportedly hired to rig two online polls in Trump's favor in 2015, before Trump was even a presidential candidate. The attempts were unsuccessful.
In a bizarre twist, John Gauger, director of the firm, told The Wall Street Journal that Cohen gave him around $12,000 in a Walmart shopping bag that also contained a boxing glove Cohen said was from a Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter. Cohen denied paying for the firm’s services in cash.
Court Takes Morning Recess
After painstakingly going through all 12 monthly $35,000 payments to Michael Cohen, we're taking our morning recess.
Trump grinned politely at someone in the audience — it's unclear who — but otherwise appeared nonchalant.
Trump grinned politely at someone in the audience — it's unclear who — but otherwise appeared nonchalant.
McConney Recalls Thinking ‘The Invoice Was Approved To Pay’
Looking at a new email exhibit — after another overruled objection — McConney describes an April email from Michael Cohen to Allen Weisselberg, forwarded from Weisselberg to McConney. McConney forwarded the note to Tarasoff in accounts payable with the note, “Please pay.”
Responding to a question from Colangelo — ”Did you understand from Weisselberg’s email to you that the invoice was approved to pay?” — McConney confirmed as much.
The witness is now describing similar emails from Cohen to Weisselberg, — and then Weisselberg to McConney, and McConney to Tarasoff with the note “please pay” — for the month of May.
With one exception — an email from McConney to Tarasoff, asking her to stop payment on a check that McConney says was lost somewhere — the prosecution is walking McConney through several months' worth of payments to Cohen.
Responding to a question from Colangelo — ”Did you understand from Weisselberg’s email to you that the invoice was approved to pay?” — McConney confirmed as much.
The witness is now describing similar emails from Cohen to Weisselberg, — and then Weisselberg to McConney, and McConney to Tarasoff with the note “please pay” — for the month of May.
With one exception — an email from McConney to Tarasoff, asking her to stop payment on a check that McConney says was lost somewhere — the prosecution is walking McConney through several months' worth of payments to Cohen.
‘DJT Needs To Sign Check’
In response to an email from Cohen, asking McConney if he’d seen his invoice for the March 2017 check, McConney responded in an email with, “I’ll check status tomorrow. DJT needs to sign check.” That was a reference to a switch that was made, and acknowledged in court by McConney: The payments were initially made out of Trump’s Trust — for which Eric and Don Jr. could sign off — into Trump’s personal account, which needed Trump’s personal signature, even though Trump was the newly serving president.
Describing that new reality, McConney recalled: “Somehow, we’d have to get a package down to the White House, get it down to the President, get the President to sign the checks, get the checks returned to us, and get the checks out.”
Of note: When prosecutors moved to introduce another new exhibit, the defense objected again, and indicated they would object in the same fashion for other exhibits moving forward. The judge overruled again.
Describing that new reality, McConney recalled: “Somehow, we’d have to get a package down to the White House, get it down to the President, get the President to sign the checks, get the checks returned to us, and get the checks out.”
Of note: When prosecutors moved to introduce another new exhibit, the defense objected again, and indicated they would object in the same fashion for other exhibits moving forward. The judge overruled again.
More Detailed Description Of Documents After Another Overruled Objection
After another objection was lodged and overruled — as before, but without the conference with the judge — Colangelo is walking McConney through another email record, this one starting with Cohen’s request for his March 2017 payment.
Earlier, we saw an email from McConney to Tarasoff in accounts payable, asking that the January and February payments be paid from the Trump trust, under legal expenses, and described as “Retainer for the month of January and February 2017.” For the March payment, McConney instructed Tarasoff to post the expense in the same fashion as the first two, to legal expenses.
Earlier, we saw an email from McConney to Tarasoff in accounts payable, asking that the January and February payments be paid from the Trump trust, under legal expenses, and described as “Retainer for the month of January and February 2017.” For the March payment, McConney instructed Tarasoff to post the expense in the same fashion as the first two, to legal expenses.
Contested Exhibit Is Email Chain Describing ‘Retainer Agreement’ For Paying Cohen
In an email chain that started with McConney’s previously discussed reminder to Cohen — “Just a reminder to get me the invoices you spoke to Allen about” — McConney and Cohen go back and forth about the payments, with McConney asking Cohen in February to send an invoice for the first two payments.
Cohen responds with an emailed invoice that describes the payments as part of a “retainer agreement.”
Upon questioning from Colangelo, McConney confirms he wasn’t aware of any such agreement. A subsequent email states “Ok to pay as per agreement with Don and Eric,” Trump’s children, who during his presidency were running his business. Another email from McConney to Deborah Tarasoff in accounts payable asks to “pay from the Trust,” which according to McConney indicates it was a personal expense.
Cohen responds with an emailed invoice that describes the payments as part of a “retainer agreement.”
Upon questioning from Colangelo, McConney confirms he wasn’t aware of any such agreement. A subsequent email states “Ok to pay as per agreement with Don and Eric,” Trump’s children, who during his presidency were running his business. Another email from McConney to Deborah Tarasoff in accounts payable asks to “pay from the Trust,” which according to McConney indicates it was a personal expense.
Trump, Holding Stack Of Printouts, Rages Against The News
On his way into court this morning, Trump dismissed questions about the gag order imposed on him by Merchan. Instead, he took time to riff on a number of news stories from a stack of papers seemingly printed out from the internet.
One was about the breaking news that Columbia University is canceling its large university-wide commencement ceremony amid ongoing pro-Palestinian protests. "That shouldn't happen," he opined. Trump also brought up a story that claimed the protesters were “backed by Biden donors” and added: “Are you listening, Israel? I hope you're listening.”
His impromptu news review ended with the baseless claim that Biden is behind the criminal prosecutions against him, before sounding a note of self-pity: "The witnesses they want to bring up, they have nothing to do with the case. This is a ridiculous situation. Not fair! Not fair!"
One was about the breaking news that Columbia University is canceling its large university-wide commencement ceremony amid ongoing pro-Palestinian protests. "That shouldn't happen," he opined. Trump also brought up a story that claimed the protesters were “backed by Biden donors” and added: “Are you listening, Israel? I hope you're listening.”
His impromptu news review ended with the baseless claim that Biden is behind the criminal prosecutions against him, before sounding a note of self-pity: "The witnesses they want to bring up, they have nothing to do with the case. This is a ridiculous situation. Not fair! Not fair!"
Defense Objects To Another Exhibit — And Judge Overrules Again
Earlier, before the jury entered, the defense indicated they would object to multiple exhibits today. They even attempted to hash out their objections before the trial started.
But Judge Merchan said they could simply raise objections as the exhibits came up, one-by-one, during the trial.
A few minutes ago, the defense objected to one document — I didn’t catch which, but the objection was overruled — and just now, they objected again. After both sides conferred privately with the judge for several minutes, Merchan announced, “The objection is noted and overruled.” Exhibit 37a — a print-out of an email chain — is now being discussed.
But Judge Merchan said they could simply raise objections as the exhibits came up, one-by-one, during the trial.
A few minutes ago, the defense objected to one document — I didn’t catch which, but the objection was overruled — and just now, they objected again. After both sides conferred privately with the judge for several minutes, Merchan announced, “The objection is noted and overruled.” Exhibit 37a — a print-out of an email chain — is now being discussed.
McConney Describes $35,000 Monthly Payments To Michael Cohen
McConney is describing $35,000 monthly payments to Michael Cohen, the sum of the reimbursement to Essential Consulting in addition to money for a bonus – because “Michael was complaining that the bonus wasn’t large enough,” McConney recalled – and then divided into monthly payments.
A separate document includes a breakdown of payments: $180,000 for the Essential Consulting payment and tech services payment, “times two for taxes,” plus a $50,000 bonus, divided by 12 for monthly payments. The bonus was increased to $60,000, according to McConney, because “this was a fast conversation, and I just scribbled down notes. So the total is $420,000.
McConney said he wasn't aware of another time in which an expense reimbursement was doubled for taxes.
A separate document includes a breakdown of payments: $180,000 for the Essential Consulting payment and tech services payment, “times two for taxes,” plus a $50,000 bonus, divided by 12 for monthly payments. The bonus was increased to $60,000, according to McConney, because “this was a fast conversation, and I just scribbled down notes. So the total is $420,000.
McConney said he wasn't aware of another time in which an expense reimbursement was doubled for taxes.
McConney Describes Documents, Conversation Concerning Payments To ‘Essential Consulting’
Colangelo is walking McConney through a payment made to "Essential Consulting" in 2017, with the witness describing a bank statement – of which Weisselberg told him, “keep it in the files.”
Colangelo is confirming both Weisselberg and his own handwriting on the document. The document describes a total amount to be repaid in monthly intervals, and it was kept in a payment book in a locked drawer in his office. The witness, upon questioning, is also describing hand-written notes that he took during his conversation with Weisselberg about the payment in question. The two documents were stapled together in the payment book, McConney said.
“Essential Consultants LLC, care of Michael Cohen”– that’s what the document said, as read by the witness. Essential Consultants is the entity allegedly used to hide the hush money payments at the heart of this trial. An amount of $130,000 was made to the account, the document shows. Lower, in Weisselberg’s handwriting describes a $180,000 figure – the sum of the total owed to Michael Cohen, and $50,000 to Red Finch for tech services.
Colangelo is confirming both Weisselberg and his own handwriting on the document. The document describes a total amount to be repaid in monthly intervals, and it was kept in a payment book in a locked drawer in his office. The witness, upon questioning, is also describing hand-written notes that he took during his conversation with Weisselberg about the payment in question. The two documents were stapled together in the payment book, McConney said.
“Essential Consultants LLC, care of Michael Cohen”– that’s what the document said, as read by the witness. Essential Consultants is the entity allegedly used to hide the hush money payments at the heart of this trial. An amount of $130,000 was made to the account, the document shows. Lower, in Weisselberg’s handwriting describes a $180,000 figure – the sum of the total owed to Michael Cohen, and $50,000 to Red Finch for tech services.
'Are You Familiar With Someone Named Michael Cohen?'
McConney, seemingly dripping with contempt, is describing his relationship with Michael Cohen, who worked for the Trump organization for a “number of years.”
“I had conversations with him by the... coffee machine," McConney said.
The prosecution asked about Cohen's role within the organization.
“He said he was a lawyer," McConney replied to laughter in the courtroom.
“I had conversations with him by the... coffee machine," McConney said.
The prosecution asked about Cohen's role within the organization.
“He said he was a lawyer," McConney replied to laughter in the courtroom.
Prosecution Walks McConney Through Financial Records
Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo – who, to clarify, has been questioning McConney this whole time – is walking the witness through a series of document exhibits on a thumb drive, including financial records, tax forms and emails. Prior to walking through the exhibits, Colangelo asked, “If a lawyer receives payment for legal services, is that taxable income?”
“For an outside attorney, I would assume so, yes,” McConney answered after clarifying.
“For an outside attorney, I would assume so, yes,” McConney answered after clarifying.
Previously: Jeffrey McConney Said He ‘Gave Up’ Trump Org Job Due To Constant Legal Problems
Testifying at Trump’s civil fraud trial in November, McConney became emotional when he asked why he no longer works for the Trump Organization. He reached for a tissue and said he was proud of the work he did, according to The Associated Press.
“I just wanted to relax and stop being accused of misrepresenting assets for the company that I loved working for. I’m sorry,” he testified last year, the AP reported.
As the Trump Organization’s former corporate controller, prosecutors in the current trial say he was instrumental to arranging the $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels.
“I just wanted to relax and stop being accused of misrepresenting assets for the company that I loved working for. I’m sorry,” he testified last year, the AP reported.
As the Trump Organization’s former corporate controller, prosecutors in the current trial say he was instrumental to arranging the $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels.
McConney Describes ‘The Donald J. Trump Personal Account’
The prosecution is walking McConney through the Trump Organization’s various accounts. One of them, the Donald J. Trump personal account, was Donald Trump’s primary operating account.
It turned into the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust after Jan. 20, 2017, when Trump began his time as president.
Before Trump became president, Trump alone had signature authority on money leaving the account, McConney says. Afterward, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Alan Weisselberg had signature authority. Multiple signatures were required for checks over $10,000, he says.
McConney is recalling one time when Trump literally told him “you’re fired," but he didn’t mean it. Rather, Trump was scolding McConney for some payment that he wished had been negotiated more thoroughly. Deborah Tarasoff was the only person in accounts payable when McConney left, the witness recalls, before describing the various people who had authority to sign off on a payment after Trump became president.
It turned into the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust after Jan. 20, 2017, when Trump began his time as president.
Before Trump became president, Trump alone had signature authority on money leaving the account, McConney says. Afterward, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Alan Weisselberg had signature authority. Multiple signatures were required for checks over $10,000, he says.
McConney is recalling one time when Trump literally told him “you’re fired," but he didn’t mean it. Rather, Trump was scolding McConney for some payment that he wished had been negotiated more thoroughly. Deborah Tarasoff was the only person in accounts payable when McConney left, the witness recalls, before describing the various people who had authority to sign off on a payment after Trump became president.
McConney Describes His Trump Org Relationships
The prosecution is walking McConney through his various relationships at the Trump Organization, including with former chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg as well as the organization's accounts payable and receivable supervisors.
McConney is describing accounting practices and software, including MDS, a computer program for recording receipts and bills. McConney also said he's been receiving quarterly payments from the Trump Organization since his retirement, part of a separation agreement.
Two bespectacled jurors in dress shirts are taking notes. Others are nodding along.
McConney is describing accounting practices and software, including MDS, a computer program for recording receipts and bills. McConney also said he's been receiving quarterly payments from the Trump Organization since his retirement, part of a separation agreement.
Two bespectacled jurors in dress shirts are taking notes. Others are nodding along.
More On Contempt: Judge Dings Trump On Comment Attacking Jurors
Merchan found Trump in contempt for one comment out of four the prosecution had brought to his attention in a hearing last week.
What got him in trouble was saying after court on April 22: “You know [the judge is] rushing the trial like crazy. Nobody’s ever seen a thing go like this. That jury was picked so fast — 95% Democrats. The area’s mostly all Democrat … just a purely Democrat area. It’s a very unfair situation, that I can tell you.”
Merchan found that the attack on jurors violated Trump’s gag order, writing that the "Defendant not only called into question the integrity, and therefore the legitimacy of these proceedings, but again raised the specter of fear for the safety of the jurors and of their loved ones.” What didn’t get Trump in trouble was calling Cohen a liar or calling ex-AMI CEO David Pecker “a nice guy,” which could be interpreted as an attempt to sway or intimidate the witnesses.
The judge previously found Trump in contempt for nine other comments, out of 10 the prosecution had asked him to look at. He owes $10,000 in fines so far, and could face jail time for further infractions. Read Merchan's latest order here.
What got him in trouble was saying after court on April 22: “You know [the judge is] rushing the trial like crazy. Nobody’s ever seen a thing go like this. That jury was picked so fast — 95% Democrats. The area’s mostly all Democrat … just a purely Democrat area. It’s a very unfair situation, that I can tell you.”
Merchan found that the attack on jurors violated Trump’s gag order, writing that the "Defendant not only called into question the integrity, and therefore the legitimacy of these proceedings, but again raised the specter of fear for the safety of the jurors and of their loved ones.” What didn’t get Trump in trouble was calling Cohen a liar or calling ex-AMI CEO David Pecker “a nice guy,” which could be interpreted as an attempt to sway or intimidate the witnesses.
The judge previously found Trump in contempt for nine other comments, out of 10 the prosecution had asked him to look at. He owes $10,000 in fines so far, and could face jail time for further infractions. Read Merchan's latest order here.
McConney Describes Trump Org Business Structure
The prosecution is walking McConney through a large flow chart and a written “schedule,” each describing the organization of the Trump Organization. The flow chart, which is dated 2014, is organized under the “The Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust.”
McConney earlier described the Trump Organization’s practice of creating entities for ownership of various Trump properties – for example, an individual entity under Trump’s control owns Trump Tower.
McConney earlier described the Trump Organization’s practice of creating entities for ownership of various Trump properties – for example, an individual entity under Trump’s control owns Trump Tower.
McConney Says Trump Org Is Paying For His Attorney
Under questioning from the prosecution, McConney says that he is here in response to a subpoena, and that the Trump Organization is paying for his attorney. He’s recalling “36 or 37” years of work for the Trump Organization. He retired last year as senior vice president, controller.
Trump Attorney Alina Habba Appears In Court
Habba represented Trump during his New York civil fraud trial, which resulted in a massive half-billion-dollar fine against the former president that he is still fighting. Although her performance in court was frequently criticized, she appears to still have an important place in Trump's orbit.
Former Trump Org Controller Jeffrey McConney Is First Witness
Prosecutors have called their first witness of the week – Jeffrey McConney, the former Trump Organization controller.
Attorneys Debate Exhibits, Witness
The jury is not yet in. Trump’s attorney Emil Bove brought up objections the defense has to several prosecution exhibits, in addition to an unnamed witness; Merchan is peeved the objections haven’t been brought up earlier, and the prosecution says it flagged the potential exhibits a couple weeks ago.
When Merchan says he’s fine with the exhibits coming up at trial, Bove says “it’s very hard for me to do that on the fly.” Regarding the unnamed witness, the judge says “You waited until I came out at 9:30.”
Merchan is calling in the jury.
When Merchan says he’s fine with the exhibits coming up at trial, Bove says “it’s very hard for me to do that on the fly.” Regarding the unnamed witness, the judge says “You waited until I came out at 9:30.”
Merchan is calling in the jury.
Key Moment
Judge Finds Trump In Contempt, Warns Of Potential Jail Time
"I find you in criminal contempt for the 10th time," Judge Mercgan says, before issuing a warning to Trump.
"Going forward, this court will have to consider a jail sanction," he said.
Merchan said Trump is the past president and perhaps the next one as well, and speaks about how much of a disruption potential jail time would be – for Trump, the trial itself, and the court officers tasked with potentially jailing Trump in the future.
"The magnitude of such a decision is not lost on me, but at the end of the day, I have a job to do," Merchan says, adding that that job includes protecting the "integrity of the judicial system."
Trump's breaches of the court's order, the judge says, constitute a "direct attack on the rule of law."
This contempt finding is in response to prosecutors' complaint that Trump was criticizing witnesses, contrary to a court gag order.
"Going forward, this court will have to consider a jail sanction," he said.
Merchan said Trump is the past president and perhaps the next one as well, and speaks about how much of a disruption potential jail time would be – for Trump, the trial itself, and the court officers tasked with potentially jailing Trump in the future.
"The magnitude of such a decision is not lost on me, but at the end of the day, I have a job to do," Merchan says, adding that that job includes protecting the "integrity of the judicial system."
Trump's breaches of the court's order, the judge says, constitute a "direct attack on the rule of law."
This contempt finding is in response to prosecutors' complaint that Trump was criticizing witnesses, contrary to a court gag order.
Karen McDougal 'Reflecting'
An account on X, formerly known as Twitter, seemingly belonging to Karen McDougal posted an update May 4 that she was "reflecting," with a photo featuring the book "Catch and Kill" by Ronan Farrow.
The Trump trial has featured testimony about various catch and kill schemes to keep Trump scandals out of the media, including one involving McDougal.
The Trump trial has featured testimony about various catch and kill schemes to keep Trump scandals out of the media, including one involving McDougal.
Trump, Eric Trump Are In The Courtroom
The president just walked into the courtroom with a phalanx of lawyers and aides, as well as his son, Eric Trump.
Trump aide Boris Epshteyn is also here, sitting behind Eric.
Trump aide Boris Epshteyn is also here, sitting behind Eric.
Hello From The Courtroom
Hello from the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, where prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg'’s office – but not Bragg himself – just entered the courtroom with a few bankers boxes. A Secret Service agent entered the courtroom soon after.
Trump’s Weekend: Rhetoric And Running Mates
Trump has repeatedly complained how the trial has prevented him from hitting the campaign trail. But instead of firing up his base in swing states over the weekend, the presumptive GOP nominee opted to attend a Republican National Committee event to fire up deep-pocketed donors.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Saturday, Trump didn't hold back, likening the Biden White House to a “Gestapo administration.”
“And it’s the only thing they have,” said Trump, according to audio obtained by The New York Times. “And it’s the only way they’re going to win, in their opinion, and it’s actually killing them. But it doesn’t bother me.”
On the comparison to Nazi Germany's secret police force, White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates in a statement: “Instead of echoing the appalling rhetoric of fascists, lunching with Neo Nazis, and fanning debunked conspiracy theories that have cost brave police officer their lives, President Biden is bringing the American people together around our shared democratic values and the rule of law — an approach that has delivered the biggest violent crime reduction in 50 years.”
The Republican retreat was also apparently something of a pageant to help Trump choose his 2024 running mate: Senators Marco Rubio (Fl.), J.D. Vance (Ohio) and Tim Scott (S.C.) were among those flaunting their stuff.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Saturday, Trump didn't hold back, likening the Biden White House to a “Gestapo administration.”
“And it’s the only thing they have,” said Trump, according to audio obtained by The New York Times. “And it’s the only way they’re going to win, in their opinion, and it’s actually killing them. But it doesn’t bother me.”
On the comparison to Nazi Germany's secret police force, White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates in a statement: “Instead of echoing the appalling rhetoric of fascists, lunching with Neo Nazis, and fanning debunked conspiracy theories that have cost brave police officer their lives, President Biden is bringing the American people together around our shared democratic values and the rule of law — an approach that has delivered the biggest violent crime reduction in 50 years.”
The Republican retreat was also apparently something of a pageant to help Trump choose his 2024 running mate: Senators Marco Rubio (Fl.), J.D. Vance (Ohio) and Tim Scott (S.C.) were among those flaunting their stuff.
George Conway Predicts How Trump's Team Will Act Toward Cohen
Conservative attorney and Trump critic George Conway criticized the Trump legal team's strategy of attacking Michael Cohen's credibility.
They are “making a huge mistake in going after Michael Cohen the way they have,” Conway told MSNBC’s Joy Reid on Friday. “I mean, obviously, they feel the need to. It fills an emotional need for Donald Trump but it does not really help him.”
They are “making a huge mistake in going after Michael Cohen the way they have,” Conway told MSNBC’s Joy Reid on Friday. “I mean, obviously, they feel the need to. It fills an emotional need for Donald Trump but it does not really help him.”
Sketch Artist Talks About Her Process In Trump Trial
Veteran courtroom artist Christine Cornell spoke to CNN's Anderson Cooper about drawing the Trump trial and what colors she needs to use to draw the former president.
“He’s not an unusual-looking man except for there is a bright yellow that I use when I hit his hair,” she said. “That is just so much fun.”
“He’s not an unusual-looking man except for there is a bright yellow that I use when I hit his hair,” she said. “That is just so much fun.”
Catch Up On Last Week's Proceedings, Including Testimony From Hope Hicks
Here's everything that happened during week three of Trump's hush money trial: