Witnesses continue to testify in lawsuit involving secret payments

Donald Trump’s hush money trial is back in the spotlight as proceedings are set to resume Friday in Manhattan criminal court. The prosecution is gearing up to further present its case against the former president in what has been a historic trial thus far.

During the recent court session, Keith Davidson, an attorney who represented adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, took the stand. Davidson played a key role in arranging hush money deals to keep the women quiet about their alleged affairs with Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. Additionally, the court heard a secret recording made by Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, of the former president discussing the controversial deals.

As the trial progresses, Trump finds himself facing a staggering 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records to conceal the $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. With Daniels expected to testify, the courtroom drama surely promises more twists and turns.

Stay tuned as we bring you live updates from inside and outside the courtroom as this high-profile trial continues.

Live Updates:

Fri, May 3, 2024 at 9:56 AM EDT – Witness Testimony Resumes

Doug Daus, a digital evidence processor in the Manhattan DA’s office, is once again facing cross-examination by Emil Bove, one of Trump’s defense attorneys.

Fri, May 3, 2024 at 9:37 AM EDT – Court Resumes Session

The trial recommenced with Judge Juan Merchan clarifying that the gag order imposed on Trump does not prevent him from testifying if he chooses to do so in his own defense. Trump’s false claims of being unable to testify due to the gag order were debunked by the judge.

Fri, May 3, 2024 at 9:36 AM EDT – Trump’s Arrival and Statements

Upon his arrival at court, Trump addressed the press by criticizing the judge, prosecutors, and the case against him. He expressed frustration at being unable to campaign due to his court appearances and accused Judge Juan Merchan of allowing “salacious” details to be brought up to hurt him.

Fri, May 3, 2024 at 9:19 AM EDT – What to Expect Today

As today’s court session kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET, all eyes are on the testimony expected from Doug Daus and the potential appearance of Hope Hicks, Trump’s former communications director, as a prosecution witness. Hicks could shed light on a deal involving the National Enquirer and Trump allies to bury negative stories during the 2016 campaign.

Court proceedings are scheduled to wrap up by 3:45 p.m. ET, offering more insights into the unfolding drama in Trump’s hush money trial.