Donald Trump was back in court in New York on Tuesday, where the trial over hush money that the former American president allegedly paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels was resumed. This initially concerned possible sanctions for contempt, because Trump allegedly insulted and intimidated witnesses and jurors.
After a twelve-member jury had already been selected last week, the historic criminal case (the first against a former president of America) officially started on Monday. The second day of the hearing was scheduled for Tuesday. The court immediately had to consider some statements that the Republican presidential candidate made on social media and possible violations of the ban imposed by the judge on attacking witnesses or jurors.
Most of Trump’s attacks were aimed at his former lawyer Michael Cohen, now his enemy and the most important witness at the trial. In addition, Trump also copied comments on his profile from Jesse Watters, a television host for the conservative Fox News, who stated without providing evidence that “progressive undercover activists who lie to the judge were chosen to serve on the jury.” A day after the publication of this claim, a jury member threw in the towel for fear of being recognized.
“What happened here is exactly what this ban was supposed to prevent, but the defendant laughs about it,” the prosecutor emphasized. Donald Trump “is aware of this ban, he knows he shouldn’t do it, but he does it anyway,” he said.
Fines or imprisonment
Contempt of court carries penalties ranging from fines to a prison sentence of up to thirty days. The prosecutor asked the judge to impose the maximum fines ($1,000 per offending publication) and remind the ex-president that prison “remains an option if necessary.”
Judge Juan Merchan has not yet ruled, but he did slam Trump’s team. When his lawyer Todd Blanche assured him that Trump was “very careful to respect the rules,” Merchan said: “I must point out to you that you are in the process of losing all credibility with the court.”
First witness acknowledges media help to Trump
The witness hearings in court then resumed. The first witness was David Pecker, former CEO of media company American Media. He testified that he had promised Trump’s team in 2015 to publish positive articles about the presidential candidate and negative articles about his rivals.
His statement backs prosecutors’ claims that the intention was to keep damaging stories about Trump out of the public eye in the run-up to the presidential election. Trump’s team is said to have encouraged media and paid money to buy the rights to stories and then not publish them.
For example, $150,000 was allegedly paid to former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who allegedly had an affair with Trump. A former Trump Tower doorman received $30,000. Porn star Stormy Daniels is said to have been paid $130,000 to keep quiet about a wild night with Trump in 2006. The case mainly revolves around the question of whether Trump is responsible for tampering with business documents to conceal that payment.
The criminal case is expected to last weeks.
Read here exactly how the lawsuit works: Porn star Stormy Daniels can make it difficult for Trump in court: ‘Quite a strong case’
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.
Yes, I want free unlimited access
Tags: Trump risks fines insulting witnesses jury criminal trial hush money porn actress
