Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial has resumed at Manhattan Criminal Court with Judge Juan Merchan finding the former president in contempt of court for a tenth time, fining him another $1,000 and warning the next violation of his gag order will result in jail time.
Last week’s session ended with emotional testimony from the former president’s one-time White House communication director Hope Hicks, who recounted her experiences serving his presidential campaign in October 2016 when the notorious Access Hollywood tape emerged and said Mr Trump “knew” Michael Cohen had paid off adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
On Monday the jury heard in great detail about how payments were made and records were kept at the Trump Organization as Mr Trump moved to the White House and Cohen had to be repaid for his services — the alleged falsified business records on which the criminal charges were made.
As the day drew to a close the prosecution told Judge Merchan that they expect to be able to wrap up their case in about two weeks — an extensive list of witnesses remains to be called.
The Independent’s Alex Woodward is covering the trial at Manhattan Criminal Court.
Trump responds to Columbia University canceling commencement: ‘That shouldn’t happen’
Outside the New York court where Donald Trump is on trial for a hush money case, the former president addressed Columbia University’s announcement that commencement has been canceled due to ongoing student protests. Trump spoke to the press while holding printed articles on the matter. “That shouldn’t happen,” he said. He went on to mention that some of President Biden’s donors have also contributed to supporting the pro-Palestine student protesters. The Columbia student protests began 17 April when an encampment was established on campus in an attempt to urge the school to divest from Israel.
Oliver O’Connell7 May 2024 00:45
Former Republican lieutenant governor of Georgia says he’s voting for Biden
Amelia Neath has the story:
Oliver O’Connell6 May 2024 23:45
Jury hears how Trump used personal checking account to pay Michael Cohen for Stormy Daniels hush money
Alex Woodward reports from the courthouse in Lower Manhattan:
Those payments included checks bearing the former president’s Sharpie-inked signature, according to documents shown in a Manhattan courtroom on Monday.
A bulk of those checks – sent to Cohen while Mr Trump was in his first year as president – came out of Mr Trump’s own personal checking account.
Oliver O’Connell6 May 2024 23:15
Watch: Trump claims he thought prosecution would finish today
Despite all reporting to the contrary, Donald Trump claims he thought the prosecution would wrap up their case today… ????
You know, without bringing their key witness.
Which is odd given he thought the trial was moving too slowly just a week ago…
Oliver O’Connell6 May 2024 22:45
Leaked audio reveals Trump discussing his potential running mates
Oliver O’Connell6 May 2024 22:15
Watch: Trump says ‘he’ll do that sacrifice any day’ regarding threat of jail
Oliver O’Connell6 May 2024 21:45
Judge Merchan asks, “generally speaking,” whether the prosecution is on schedule.
“Well,” Steinglass says.
Merchan: We’re doing well? Not gonna give me anything more than that?
Steinglass: Are you asking how much time?
“I would say about two more weeks. … This week and next week and then maybe a bit the week after … Very, very rough estimate. I would say two weeks from tomorrow.”
A couple of days were recently knocked off the calendar this month, so they think their time might spill over a bit after next week.
Next week and the week after are three-day trial weeks.
Alex Woodward6 May 2024 21:22
The defence has had the prosecution’s witness list “for months,” lead prosecutor Joshua Steinglass argues, concerning complaints from team Trump that they don’t know who will be up on the witness stand next.
Steinglass doesn’t want to be accused of “sandbagging” them by not telling them what order they would be called in, reiterating that the reason prosecutors haven’t is to protect them from Trump’s public attacks.
Alex Woodward6 May 2024 21:16
Judge Merchan has excused the jury for the day a little early.
The trial will resume tomorrow with a new witness.
Standby for our key takeaway from the day.
Oliver O’Connell6 May 2024 21:07
Only a few questions from Blanche and no follow up from the prosecution.
Ms Tarasoff is off the bench.
Alex Woodward6 May 2024 21:03
