TL/DR –
In the trial surrounding Donald Trump’s alleged hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, prosecutors are focusing on checks and phone records, with Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, set to testify. The case is centered on the idea that Trump and his team illegally influenced the 2016 presidential election by suppressing damaging stories, including payments related to Daniels. The trial includes testimonies from former Trump aides, phone records from AT&T and Verizon, debates over gag orders, and the potential jail time for Trump if he is found to have breached multiple gag orders.
In the Trump hush money trial, focus shifts to checks and phone records
Prosecutors are concentrating on checks and phone records in the trial regarding Donald Trump’s alleged payment to Stormy Daniels. Michael Cohen, Trump’s ex-lawyer, takes the spotlight as the prosecution’s star witness set to testify next week.
Record-keeping central to the trial
The current phase of the trial pivots on record-keeping, a stark contrast to Daniels’ sexual encounter allegations. Prosecutors argue that Trump silenced damaging stories prior to the 2016 presidential election to illegally influence the results.
Cohen’s impending testimony and Trump’s plea of innocence
The prosecution is building their case against Trump’s denial of guilt. Michael Cohen, who coordinated the $130,000 payment to Daniels allegedly at Trump’s direction, is seen as a pivotal witness.
Witness testimonies vary
From mundane accounts from bookkeepers to scandalous stories about Trump, testimonies have varied. The trial primarily scrutinizes monetary transactions and their potential illegal intent to influence the 2016 election.
Trump’s mail procedure and payments to Cohen
Former Trump aide, Madeleine Westerhout, testified about the procedure by which Trump received personal mail, including checks to sign, while in the White House. This is crucial as it is how Trump allegedly reimbursed Cohen for the Daniels payment.
Trump’s reaction to Wall Street Journal report
Westerhout revealed that Trump was upset when The Wall Street Journal reported his hush money agreement with Daniels in 2018. His lawyers argue the payment was to protect Trump’s family, not his campaign.
Phone records and Daniels’ detailed testimony
Phone records authenticated by AT&T and Verizon employees featured in the trial. Daniels’ graphic testimony about her encounter with Trump captivated the courtroom. Trump’s lawyers tried to discredit Daniels as a liar and extortionist.
Trump’s gag order and appeal
Trump’s lawyers unsuccessfully attempted to alter the gag order restricting him from commenting on the case’s witnesses. Faced with multiple gag order breaches, Trump’s attorneys are now appealing the order to the state’s high court.
Falsified business records charges
Trump is facing 34 charges of falsifying business records relating to payments deemed legal expenses. Prosecutors argue these payments were primarily reimbursements to Cohen for Daniels’ hush payment.
—
Read More US Political News