Former President Donald Trump met with New Yorkers outside the courthouse before resuming his hush money trial in New York City. The trial, which centers around allegations of a “catch-and-kill” scheme to suppress stories about Mr. Trump’s alleged affairs, saw tabloid mogul David Pecker take the stand to testify about his involvement in the scheme.
Pecker detailed how he bought and silenced the story of Playboy model Karen McDougal’s affair with Mr. Trump in an effort to influence the 2016 election. Following Pecker’s testimony, the court heard from Trump executive assistant Rhona Graff and Guy Farro of First Republic Bank, who set up a wire transfer to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Justice Juan Merchan is still deliberating on whether Mr. Trump should be held in contempt and fined $10,000 for allegedly violating a trial gag order by posting about witnesses and jurors on his social media platform, Truth Social.
In addition to the ongoing trial, Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments regarding Mr. Trump’s “presidential immunity” defense against prosecution in federal cases. The former president also faced a setback in his efforts to overturn a defamation verdict against him.
As the trial continues, Americans remain divided on whether Mr. Trump is being treated fairly. A recent poll showed that the country is split on whether he is receiving lenient or harsh treatment in the courtroom.
Stay tuned for more updates from the courthouse in Manhattan as the trial unfolds.
