Prosecutors bring up Trump’s Access Hollywood scandal in court following judge’s decision on tape.
Donald Trump Acquitted in Manhattan Criminal Court
Former President Donald Trump faced a pivotal moment in court when New York City prosecutors referenced the leaked Access Hollywood tape on Friday, despite the judge’s ruling that the jury could not hear or watch the controversial comments made by Trump in the tape.
Judge Juan Merchan emphasized that playing the tape itself would be prejudicial towards Trump, but allowed references to the comments he made in the 2005 incident. In the leaked tape, Trump used vulgar language about groping women in the company of a TV host prior to a cameo appearance on a soap opera.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his legal team repeatedly cited the tape, suggesting that it was a driving force behind the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. Trump faces charges of falsifying business records related to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, in an effort to silence her alleged affair with Trump, which he has consistently denied.
Despite the prosecution’s attempts, Merchan upheld his decision that the tape cannot be used as evidence in the courtroom due to its prejudicial nature.
In March, the DA argued that the Access Hollywood tape should be admissible because it sheds light on Trump’s intent and motive regarding the Stormy Daniels payoff. The fallout from the tape’s release allegedly led to the hush money payment to Daniels.
Last month, Judge Merchan reiterated his decision to exclude the video from the trial due to its potential bias. However, the prosecution attempted to introduce a 2016 Washington Post article discussing the tape’s content to establish a timeline, which the judge also rejected.
Hope Hicks, former Trump campaign press secretary and White House communications director, testified that Trump’s concern following the tape’s leak was primarily about how it would impact his wife, Melania Trump.
“He was worried about how this would be viewed at home,” Hicks stated. “Mr. Trump values Mrs. Trump’s opinion greatly. He wanted them to be proud of him.”
The defense team argued that the Weinstein case’s recent developments could be pertinent to Trump’s trial. Harvey Weinstein’s conviction was overturned due to the introduction of unrelated evidence, similar to the prosecution’s tactics in Trump’s case.
Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, contended that the evidence being presented does not directly link to the alleged crimes but rather insinuates Trump’s guilt.
As discussions regarding the Sandoval ruling ensued, both parties debated whether Trump would testify in his defense and the potential questions prosecutors could ask him if he does take the stand. The decision on whether Trump will testify remains uncertain as the trial progresses.
Ultimately, the legal battle surrounding Trump’s alleged involvement in the Stormy Daniels payment continues to unfold in the Manhattan Criminal Court, leaving the outcome of the unprecedented trial hanging in the balance.
