Prosecutors focus on Checks and Phone Records in Donald Trump’s Hush Money Trial
New York (AP) –
In the wake of salacious testimony from porn actor Stormy Daniels, prosecutors in Donald Trump’s hush money trial narrowed their focus to checks and phone records on Friday. The trial, being closely watched, identifies former attorney Michael Cohen as the star witness.
Building the Case
Prosecutors have been building up their case ahead of Cohen’s crucial testimony. According to Cohen, he arranged the $130,000 payout to Daniels at the direction of Trump. Cohen is expected to take the stand on Monday, as two undisclosed sources familiar with the matter have mentioned.
Defense attorneys, however, plan to discredit Cohen’s testimony. They argue that Cohen, being a disbarred lawyer and Trump’s strong critic, is not credible.
Dry Testimony and Juror’s Patience
Friday’s testimony consisted of technical and factual details, testing the jurors’ patience. Jurors yawned, stretched, and shifted their gaze throughout the proceedings. The defense sought to alleviate the boredom by turning a tedious subject into a humorous exchange.
“Actually, I kind of enjoyed it,” replied the paralegal when asked about the tedious task of going through records by Trump’s attorney, Emil Bove. The courtroom had a good chuckle, appreciating the paralegal’s humor.
“Respect,” Bove responded.
Trump’s Reaction and Social Media Posts
Trump’s anger was apparent during the dramatic testimony of Stormy Daniels. He frequently chatted with his attorneys and read through papers, clearly invested in the outcome.
These activities took place as the prosecutors presented the juror’s eye with phone records from AT&T and Verizon, along with social media posts demonstrating Trump’s initial praise for Cohen, who eventually became Trump’s target.
Importance of Daniels’ Story
Daniels’ story of an alleged sexual encounter with Trump is vital in the prosecution’s efforts to demonstrate that Trump and his allies attempted to bury unflattering stories during the 2016 presidential election. Their purpose was to illegally influence the election in Trump’s favor.
Despite the courtroom drama involving Daniels, the trial ultimately centers around alleged illicit money transactions, business dealings, and the illegal influence of the 2016 election.
White House Aide’s Testimony
Madeleine Westerhout, a former Trump White House aide, testified on Friday about Trump’s process of receiving and signing personal mail, including checks, during his time in the White House. The prosecution argues that this process was instrumental in the reimbursement of Cohen’s payment to Daniels.
Westerhout stated that Trump was visibly upset when The Wall Street Journal published a story regarding the hush money deal with Daniels in 2018. She believes Trump’s concern was primarily about the impact it would have on his family, providing a basis for the defense’s argument that the payment was to protect Trump’s family, not his campaign.
Daniels as a Witness
Stormy Daniels’ meticulous and graphic testimony for over 7.5 hours portrayed her account of the alleged sexual encounter with Trump. The defense attempted to portray her as dishonest and seeking to extort Trump by accepting a payout to remain silent instead of going public.
Daniels steadfastly refuted these claims during the cross-examination, asserting the truth of her story.
Trump’s Response
Trump, angered by the testimony, vociferously maintained his innocence as he left the court. His attorneys sought a mistrial but were denied by Judge Juan M. Merchan.
Trump’s attorneys also requested a amendment to the existing gag order that prevents him from discussing the witnesses, but this plea was ultimately denied as well.
Multiple Charges Against Trump
Trump faces a total of 34 counts related to falsifying internal Trump Organization business records. Prosecutors argue that these records, including checks and invoices deemed as legal expenses, were, in fact, reimbursements to Cohen for Daniels’ hush money payment.
Political Ramifications
This criminal case may be the only one to go to trial against Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, before the November elections. Trump, who pleads his innocence, contends that he is a victim of a politically biased legal system determined to obstruct his pursuit of another term in the White House.
Richer, E. (2024, May 12). Prosecutors focus on Checks and Phone Records in Donald Trump’s Hush Money Trial. New York Post. https://www.google.com/
