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Trump in court as hearing on further alleged gag order violations is under way – live Trump in court as Stormy Daniels’ lawyer continues testimony in hush-money trial – live
(32 minutes later)
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Judge hears arguments on further alleged gag order violations Keith Davidson continues testimony in hush-money trial
The prosecution started off by pointing to Juan Merchan’s order. Right now, on continued direct examination, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass is asking Keith Davidson questions about Michael Cohen’s transfer of money to him for the Stormy Daniels payoff.
“The order was issued because of the defendant’s persistent and escalating rhetoric aimed at participants in this hearing … He’s already been found by the court to have violated the order nine times and has done it again here,” Christopher Conroy said of Donald Trump. Recall: Davidson said that Daniels had been growing impatient in early October 2016 when Cohen had not paid up. But, toward the end of the month--several weeks after a hot mic recording emerged where Trump bragged about groping women--Cohen came through.
“He was on the media and he used that platform there to criticized the seated jury in the case,” the prosecutor said. Steinglass asked Davidson about texts he exchanged with then-National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard about the payment. “Money wired I am told,” Howard said in a 27 October 2016 text to Davidson. Several hours later, Davidson said, “Funds received.”
“By talking about the jury at all, he places this process and this proceeding here in jeopardy – this is what the order forbids, and he did it anyway,” Conroy continued. Steinglass asked whether the funds were wired to Davidson’s escrow account from Essential Consultants (Cohen’s hastily incorporated LLC.) He said “Yes.”
16m agoJudge skeptical of defense lawyer's argument that gag order blocks Trump's free-speech rights Later, Steinglass asked Davidson about more texts he exchanged with Howard after the deal was done. “Unbelievable,” Howard said in one text. To which Davidson replied, “was never really sure...”
34m agoProsecutor says 'we are not seeking jail' in order not to delay trial 14m agoKeith Davidson continues testimony in hush-money trial
39m agoProsecutor tells gag order hearing Trump 'knows what he's doing' 47m agoJudge skeptical of defense lawyer's argument that gag order blocks Trump's free-speech rights
41m agoJudge hears arguments on further alleged gag order violations 1h agoProsecutor says 'we are not seeking jail' in order not to delay trial
1h agoProsecutor tells gag order hearing Trump 'knows what he's doing'
1h agoJudge hears arguments on further alleged gag order violations
1h agoTrump arrives in courtroom1h agoTrump arrives in courtroom
2h agoTrump trial to hear further testimony from Stormy Daniels lawyer Keith Davidson 3h agoTrump trial to hear further testimony from Stormy Daniels lawyer Keith Davidson
“Can I ask you to address the comments that were made about the jury?” judge Juan Merchan asked shortly thereafter. Joshua Steinglass is now asking Keith Davidson about a series of exchanges on election night, when it appeared that Donald Trump would win.
“There was an understanding that our activities may have in some way assisted the campaign of Donald Trump,” Keith Davidson said on the stand.
Prosecutors showed his election night texts with Dylan Howard. Davidson wrote “what have we done?” and Howard wrote back “oh my god”
Keith Davidson continues testimony in hush-money trial
Right now, on continued direct examination, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass is asking Keith Davidson questions about Michael Cohen’s transfer of money to him for the Stormy Daniels payoff.
Recall: Davidson said that Daniels had been growing impatient in early October 2016 when Cohen had not paid up. But, toward the end of the month--several weeks after a hot mic recording emerged where Trump bragged about groping women--Cohen came through.
Steinglass asked Davidson about texts he exchanged with then-National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard about the payment. “Money wired I am told,” Howard said in a 27 October 2016 text to Davidson. Several hours later, Davidson said, “Funds received.”
Steinglass asked whether the funds were wired to Davidson’s escrow account from Essential Consultants (Cohen’s hastily incorporated LLC.) He said “Yes.”
Later, Steinglass asked Davidson about more texts he exchanged with Howard after the deal was done. “Unbelievable,” Howard said in one text. To which Davidson replied, “was never really sure...”
“Can I ask you to address the comments that were made about the jury?” Juan Merchan asked shortly thereafter.
“We very much believe this is a political persecution, a political trial,” Todd Blanche said.“We very much believe this is a political persecution, a political trial,” Todd Blanche said.
As he continued to try making this argument, Merchan said, “Did he violate the gag order, that’s all I want to know.” As he continued to try making this argument, the judge said, “Did he violate the gag order, that’s all I want to know.”
“I’m making an argument that he didn’t,” Blanche said. Merchan said he was not buying it, and that is why he was asking.“I’m making an argument that he didn’t,” Blanche said. Merchan said he was not buying it, and that is why he was asking.
“He spoke about the jury, right?” Merchan asked, adding, “He said the jury was 95 percent Democrats and the jury had been rushed through.” “He spoke about the jury, right?” Merchan asked, adding, “He said the jury was 95% Democrats and the jury had been rushed through.”
Todd Blanche raised the bogeyman of Michael Cohen’s TikTok account.Todd Blanche raised the bogeyman of Michael Cohen’s TikTok account.
“As has been reported, because it’s true, Michael Cohen has been going on TikTok, nightly, – literally making money… He actively encourages folks to give him money… His TikTok repeatedly criticizes president Trump,” Blanche said. “As has been reported, because it’s true, Michael Cohen has been going on TikTok, nightly, – literally making money… He actively encourages folks to give him money… His TikTok repeatedly criticizes President Trump,” Blanche said.
“This is not a man who needs protection from the gag order,” he added.“This is not a man who needs protection from the gag order,” he added.
Donald Trump is sitting passively at his lawyer Todd Blanche as he reads out Michael Cohen’s tweets attacking him on Twitter, including Cohen calling him “Von Schitzenpants” and a “petulant defendant” and that he will not donate to Trump’s jail commissary. Donald Trump is sitting passively as his lawyer, Todd Blanche, reads out Michael Cohen’s tweets attacking him on Twitter, including Cohen calling him “Von Schitzenpants” and a “petulant defendant” and that he will not donate to Trump’s jail commissary.
Hey Von ShitzInPantz…your attacks of me stink of desperation. We are all hoping that you take the stand in your defense. pic.twitter.com/FVsWbRnNkBHey Von ShitzInPantz…your attacks of me stink of desperation. We are all hoping that you take the stand in your defense. pic.twitter.com/FVsWbRnNkB
Judge Juan Merchan does not seem particularly impressed by Donald Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche’s contention that the gag order is unfair to Trump because he cannot respond to attacks against Trump by people like Michael Cohen, an expected trial witness protected by the gag order, and media coverage of other trial witnesses’ testimony.Judge Juan Merchan does not seem particularly impressed by Donald Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche’s contention that the gag order is unfair to Trump because he cannot respond to attacks against Trump by people like Michael Cohen, an expected trial witness protected by the gag order, and media coverage of other trial witnesses’ testimony.
“They’re not defendants in the case. They’re not subject to the gag order,” Merchan says flatly.“They’re not defendants in the case. They’re not subject to the gag order,” Merchan says flatly.
Judge skeptical of defense lawyer's argument that gag order blocks Trump's free-speech rightsJudge skeptical of defense lawyer's argument that gag order blocks Trump's free-speech rights
Judge Juan Merchan is not buying Todd Blanche’s ‘Donald Trump is a victim to media’ narrative. Juan Merchan is not buying Todd Blanche’s “Donald Trump is a victim to media” narrative.
“Whats happening in this trial is no surprise to anyone,” Merchan said. “Whats happening in this trial is no surprise to anyone,” the judge said.
“The former president of the United States is on trial. He’s the leading candidate for the Republican party right now. Everybody came into this knew that this would happen – we all expected it. There’s no surprises here, so I don’t know how it reflects on Mr Trump if 10 outlets are talking about Mr Pecker." “The former president of the United States is on trial. He’s the leading candidate for the Republican party right now. Everybody came into this knew that this would happen – we all expected it. There’s no surprises here, so I don’t know how it reflects on Mr Trump if 10 outlets are talking about Mr Pecker.”
“Everybody can say whatever they want, except President Trump,” Blanche said.” “Everybody can say whatever they want, except President Trump,” Blanche said.
“They’re not defendants in this case” Mechan said. “They’re not defendants in this case,” Mechan said.
Merchan referred to one of the alleged gag order violation in the courthouse hallway, before a press gaggle. Merchan referred to one of the alleged gag order violations in the courthouse hallway, before a press gaggle.
“It wasn’t the press that went to him, he went to the press,” Merchan said, adding, “You’re telling me that the scrutiny is outrageous. Nobody forced your client to go stand where he did that day.”" “It wasn’t the press that went to him, he went to the press,” Merchan said, adding, “You’re telling me that the scrutiny is outrageous. Nobody forced your client to go stand where he did that day.”
“Nobody’s forcing him, but he’s running for president,” Blanche said, adding, “He has to be able to speak.”“Nobody’s forcing him, but he’s running for president,” Blanche said, adding, “He has to be able to speak.”
Donald Trump seemed caught off guard when Todd Blanche said he agreed with judge Juan Merchan that no one is forcing Trump to speak to the press every day. Donald Trump seemed caught off guard when Todd Blanche said he agreed with the judge, Juan Merchan, that no one is forcing Trump to speak to the press every day.
He quickly looked back from the defense table at Blanche.He quickly looked back from the defense table at Blanche.
Todd Blanche argued that Donald Trump did not even say anything bad about Dave Pecker - if anything, it was neutral to positive.Todd Blanche argued that Donald Trump did not even say anything bad about Dave Pecker - if anything, it was neutral to positive.
Merchan is not buying it. “It’s not just about Mr. Pecker, it’s about what all of the other witnesses who may come here,” he said. Merchan is not buying it. “It’s not just about Mr Pecker, it’s about what all of the other witnesses who may come here,” he said.
“It affects those witnesses as well. I understand your concerns about Mr. [Michael] Cohen. I expressed concerns about Mr. Cohen and Ms. [Stormy] Daniels in my decision,” Merchan said, referring to Cohen’s commentary about his ex-boss. “It affects those witnesses as well. I understand your concerns about Mr [Michael] Cohen. I expressed concerns about Mr Cohen and Ms [Stormy] Daniels in my decision,” Merchan said, referring to Cohen’s commentary about his ex-boss.
“It’s not just about those individuals, its about everybody else… That’s a concern that does go to the integrity of the proceedings,” he added.“It’s not just about those individuals, its about everybody else… That’s a concern that does go to the integrity of the proceedings,” he added.
Blanche complained that Trump is not able to speak freely despite “what’s happening behind us." Blanche complained that Trump is not able to speak freely despite “what’s happening behind us”.
“I’m talking about the press,” Blanche said, adding, “There’s 24-7 overage of everything that’s happening in the courtroom – every time we whisper to our client, it’s livestreamed over all sorts of social media outlets.”“I’m talking about the press,” Blanche said, adding, “There’s 24-7 overage of everything that’s happening in the courtroom – every time we whisper to our client, it’s livestreamed over all sorts of social media outlets.”
“He can’t just say no comment repeatedly, he’s running for president!” he continued.“He can’t just say no comment repeatedly, he’s running for president!” he continued.
“Judge, last weekend, President Trump’s rival, President Biden, said in a public forum – he talked about this trial, and he talked about a witness that’s going to be in this trial. He mocked President Trump. He said Donald has had a few tough days lately, you might call it stormy weather,” said Todd Blanche.“Judge, last weekend, President Trump’s rival, President Biden, said in a public forum – he talked about this trial, and he talked about a witness that’s going to be in this trial. He mocked President Trump. He said Donald has had a few tough days lately, you might call it stormy weather,” said Todd Blanche.
“President Trump can’t respond like he wants to because of this gag order,” Blanche said, adding, “Stormy weather was an obvious reference to Stormy Daniels.”“President Trump can’t respond like he wants to because of this gag order,” Blanche said, adding, “Stormy weather was an obvious reference to Stormy Daniels.”
Juan Merchan asked whether Trump was saying he cannot respond to Biden, noting that he is not barred from responding but rather, just from invoking the name of a foreseeable witness.Juan Merchan asked whether Trump was saying he cannot respond to Biden, noting that he is not barred from responding but rather, just from invoking the name of a foreseeable witness.
“President Biden is not limited,” Blanche said, but Trump is.“President Biden is not limited,” Blanche said, but Trump is.
Todd Blanche is again making the argument that Donald Trump’s comments are political and not related to his trial.Todd Blanche is again making the argument that Donald Trump’s comments are political and not related to his trial.
“Part of the campaign takes place outside this courtroom, part of this campaign takes place in interviews,” Blanche said.“Part of the campaign takes place outside this courtroom, part of this campaign takes place in interviews,” Blanche said.
He is also complaining about Joe Biden, implying he has an unfair advantage in being able to talk about the case when his client cannot.He is also complaining about Joe Biden, implying he has an unfair advantage in being able to talk about the case when his client cannot.
Prosecutor says 'we are not seeking jail' in order not to delay trialProsecutor says 'we are not seeking jail' in order not to delay trial
Chris Conroy is now referring to Donald Trump’s recent comments on Michael Cohen, his one-time consigliere-turned-star prosecution witness.Chris Conroy is now referring to Donald Trump’s recent comments on Michael Cohen, his one-time consigliere-turned-star prosecution witness.
“Michael Cohen is not a political opponent, defendant’s comments about Michael Cohen relate to issues at the heart of the proceeding,” he said, adding, “Defendant is doing everything he can to make this case about his politics – it’s not it’s about his criminal conduct.”“Michael Cohen is not a political opponent, defendant’s comments about Michael Cohen relate to issues at the heart of the proceeding,” he said, adding, “Defendant is doing everything he can to make this case about his politics – it’s not it’s about his criminal conduct.”
Conroy said they are asking for financial penalties again. “To minimise disruptions to this proceeding, we are not yet seeking jail,” he said.Conroy said they are asking for financial penalties again. “To minimise disruptions to this proceeding, we are not yet seeking jail,” he said.
Prosecutor tells gag order hearing Trump 'knows what he's doing'Prosecutor tells gag order hearing Trump 'knows what he's doing'
Prosecutor Christopher Conroy is now moving on to the second alleged violation – Donald Trump’s comments about David Pecker outside court.Prosecutor Christopher Conroy is now moving on to the second alleged violation – Donald Trump’s comments about David Pecker outside court.
“The defendant knows what he’s doing, He talks about the testifying witness, says nice things, in front of the cameras,” Conroy said.“The defendant knows what he’s doing, He talks about the testifying witness, says nice things, in front of the cameras,” Conroy said.
He argued that this is intentional – not Trump just blathering in response to a barrage of reporters’ questions.He argued that this is intentional – not Trump just blathering in response to a barrage of reporters’ questions.
“He selectively responded to this question and not others,” Conroy argued, noting that even though his comments on Pecker were positive, they are nonetheless “deliberate shots across the bow [for] anyone who comes to this courtroom to talk about the defendant and what he did.”“He selectively responded to this question and not others,” Conroy argued, noting that even though his comments on Pecker were positive, they are nonetheless “deliberate shots across the bow [for] anyone who comes to this courtroom to talk about the defendant and what he did.”
Judge hears arguments on further alleged gag order violationsJudge hears arguments on further alleged gag order violations
The prosecution started off by pointing to Juan Merchan’s order.The prosecution started off by pointing to Juan Merchan’s order.
“The order was issued because of the defendant’s persistent and escalating rhetoric aimed at participants in this hearing … He’s already been found by the court to have violated the order nine times and has done it again here,” Christopher Conroy said of Donald Trump.“The order was issued because of the defendant’s persistent and escalating rhetoric aimed at participants in this hearing … He’s already been found by the court to have violated the order nine times and has done it again here,” Christopher Conroy said of Donald Trump.
“He was on the media and he used that platform there to criticized the seated jury in the case,” the prosecutor said.“He was on the media and he used that platform there to criticized the seated jury in the case,” the prosecutor said.
“By talking about the jury at all, he places this process and this proceeding here in jeopardy – this is what the order forbids, and he did it anyway,” Conroy continued.“By talking about the jury at all, he places this process and this proceeding here in jeopardy – this is what the order forbids, and he did it anyway,” Conroy continued.
Court has started for the day.Court has started for the day.
“I looked at the exhibits that were provided by both the people and the defense,” Juan Merchan says of the prosecution’s most recent push for contempt.“I looked at the exhibits that were provided by both the people and the defense,” Juan Merchan says of the prosecution’s most recent push for contempt.
The judge is now asking prosecutors to go through each of the alleged violations.The judge is now asking prosecutors to go through each of the alleged violations.
Prior to heading inside the courtroom, Donald Trump stopped and addressed the press.Prior to heading inside the courtroom, Donald Trump stopped and addressed the press.
He bragged about his rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan, saying, “We had tremendous rallies, sold-out rallies that were packed and the enthusiasm’s never been better.”He bragged about his rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan, saying, “We had tremendous rallies, sold-out rallies that were packed and the enthusiasm’s never been better.”
Trump also spoke about inflation, saying, “Interest rates are obviously not going to be able to be reduced prior to the election because inflation is roaring back.”Trump also spoke about inflation, saying, “Interest rates are obviously not going to be able to be reduced prior to the election because inflation is roaring back.”
He went on to praise the police crackdowns on the Palestinian solidarity student encampments at UCLA and Columbia and blamed the “radical left lunatics”.He went on to praise the police crackdowns on the Palestinian solidarity student encampments at UCLA and Columbia and blamed the “radical left lunatics”.
“The right is not your problem, despite what law enforcement likes to say,” he added.“The right is not your problem, despite what law enforcement likes to say,” he added.
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