What Happened on Day 15 of Trump Criminal Hush Money Trial

trump day 15

Today’s developments in Donald Trump’s criminal trial shed light on crucial aspects of the case:

Cohen’s Testimony:

Michael Cohen, Trump’s former fixer and lawyer, is set to testify on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the trial. His testimony is expected to implicate Trump in the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels and shed light on the reimbursement process through retainer payments. However, given his previous legal troubles and changing accounts, Cohen’s credibility poses a significant challenge for prosecutors.

Judge’s Order to Cohen:

Ahead of Cohen’s testimony, Trump’s attorney requested the judge to order Cohen to refrain from discussing the trial with Trump, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the case.

Westerhout’s Testimony:

Trump’s former White House aide, Madeleine Westerhout, concluded her testimony with a seemingly friendly exchange with Trump in the courtroom. Prosecutors introduced key text and call records into evidence after Westerhout’s testimony, providing crucial documentation for the case.

Prosecution’s Evidence: 

Prosecutors introduced a series of text messages between Stormy Daniels’ manager and National Enquirer’s editor-in-chief, along with other cell phone records. These records aim to bolster the prosecution’s argument of Trump’s guilt in falsifying business records.

Prosecution’s Timeline: 

The prosecution anticipates resting its case by the end of next week and plans to call two more witnesses. However, a potential issue arises concerning the admission of Trump Organization CFO Weisselberg’s settlement agreement into evidence, which Trump’s lawyers object to, citing prejudice against their client.

These key takeaways underscore the complexity and significance of the ongoing trial, with each development shaping the narrative and outcome of the proceedings.

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Four Takeaways From Thursday’s Proceedings at Trump Hush Money Trial

Four Takeaways From Thursday’s Proceedings at Trump Hush Money Trial

On Thursday, Trump returned to a Manhattan court for his criminal trial connected to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. To refresh, he is facing 35 felony counts. 

Here are key takeaways from Thursday’s court action:

1. Tabloid publisher David Pecker of the National Enquirer knew ‘catch and kill’ payments to ensure stories never saw the light of day was a violation of federal election laws.

2. Pecker testified that Trump was not worried in the slightest about his family learning of his alleged affair with Stormy Daniels. He said Trump showed no concern about the potential damage his family would receive after enduring his alleged extramarital affairs asserted by both Karen McDougal and Daniels. 

3. Prosecutors say Trump has continuously violated gag orders. Judge Juan Merchan barred Trump from speaking publicly or on social media about individuals involved in the case.

The judge will be ruling on allegations that Trump violated the gag order at least 10 times.

4. On Thursday, the Defense began their cross-examination of Pecker by Emil Bove.

A CNN Poll conducted by SSRS found that just 13% nationwide feel Donald Trump is being treated the same as other criminal defendants. A majority of the nation was divided over whether Trump is being treated more harshly (34%) or more leniently (34%) than other defendants. Only 44% of Americans believe that the jury will make a fair verdict, and 56% are more skeptical that a fair result will happen.

The post Four Takeaways From Thursday’s Proceedings at Trump Hush Money Trial first appeared on The Source.

The post Four Takeaways From Thursday’s Proceedings at Trump Hush Money Trial appeared first on The Source.