Trial continues in NY as alleged violations of gag order by Trump remain unresolved.
Former President Trump’s Manhattan Trial Enters 11th Day
Former President Trump’s trial in Manhattan continues for its 11th day on Friday, with the presiding judge potentially ruling on the remaining alleged gag order violations and further testimony from a computer forensics expert.
Trump is set to appear in court at 9:30 a.m. for the final day of the third week of his trial. The presiding Judge Juan Merchan conducted a hearing on Thursday morning to address the remaining alleged gag order violations against Trump. Earlier in the week, Trump was fined $9,000 for violating the order on nine separate instances, with the district attorney’s office claiming he breached it 14 times in total.
Although Merchan did not deliver a ruling on the remaining violations on Thursday, a decision could be issued on Friday. If there are persistent willful violations, Merchan warned that Trump could face jail time as a consequence.
Following the trial’s adjournment on Thursday, Trump expressed his intentions to appeal the gag order decision.
The trial on Thursday featured testimony from Keith Davidson, an attorney representing Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, as well as Doug Daus, a computer forensics expert with the Manhattan DA’s Office.
Daus testified about the high volume of contacts on Michael Cohen’s phone and confirmed metadata for audio recordings, including a conversation featuring Cohen and Trump.
The case in question involves allegedly hush money paid to Daniels and potential financial misconduct in reimbursements. Prosecutors aim to demonstrate that Trump falsified records to conceal or commit a felony.
Davidson’s statements during the trial contradicted Cohen’s previous claims, revealing Cohen’s desire for a White House position following the 2016 election. Cohen was reportedly disappointed about not securing a White House role under the Trump administration.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges of falsifying business records and criticized the trial as a political ploy orchestrated by the Biden administration.
Proceedings on Friday are expected to conclude earlier than usual due to a juror having a prior appointment.
