Former US President Donald Trump sits in the courtroom during the first day of his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 15, 2024.
© Jabin Botsford/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – Judge Juan Merchan says he will reserve his right to make a decision as to whether or not former President Trump has violated a gag order imposed in the case. Tuesday’s proceedings were put on hold for the gag order hearing. As it got underway the judge blasted one of Trump’s attorneys, and said they’d lost credibility with the court, after suggesting Trump had been trying to stay within the gag order’s parameters. That said, many have said the order is unfair given so many others have been publicly discussing the case — which centers on a $130,000 payment prosecutors say was made to porn star Stormy Daniels.
After opening arguments were made Monday, testimony will continue in the non-disclosure agreement trial that some call the “hush money” trial. The case dates back to 2016 when Trump allegedly reimbursed his attorney Michael Cohen, after a payment was made to Daniels — in order for her to remain quiet about an affair.
Prosecutors say Trump and his legal representation looked to pay off women in order to influence the presidential election. They also maintain that any such payment should have been classified as a campaign expense. Their claim is that Trump violated campaign finance laws as a result of not classifying the payment as such.
During opening arguments, prosecutors claimed this was all a scheme to mislead voters. Trump’s defense team countered that attempting to influence elections is now a crime, adding that’s how democracy works.
Former National Enquirer editor David Pecker was called as the first witness by the prosecution. Proceedings were quickly adjourned after that because one of the jurors reportedly needed to go for emergency dental work. Pecker delivered additional testimony on Tuesday.
