Donald Trump was back in court in New York on Tuesday, where the trial over hush money that the former American president allegedly paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels was resumed. This initially concerned possible sanctions for contempt, because Trump allegedly insulted and intimidated witnesses and jurors.
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After a twelve-member jury had already been selected last week, the historic criminal case officially started on Monday. The second day of the hearing was scheduled for today. The court immediately had to consider some statements that the Republican presidential candidate made on social media and possible violations of the ban imposed by the judge on attacking witnesses or jurors.
Most of Trump’s attacks were aimed at his former lawyer Michael Cohen, now his enemy and the most important witness at the trial. In addition, Trump also copied comments on his profile from Jesse Watters, a television host for the conservative Fox News, who stated without providing evidence that “progressive undercover activists who lie to the judge were chosen to serve on the jury.” A day after the publication of this claim, a jury member threw in the towel for fear of being recognized.
LOOK. Angry Trump before the start of the trial day: “Speak ban is completely unconstitutional”
“What happened here is exactly what this ban was supposed to prevent, but the defendant is laughing about it,” the prosecutor emphasized. Donald Trump “is aware of this ban, he knows he shouldn’t do it, but he does it anyway,” he said.
Fines or imprisonment
Contempt of court carries penalties ranging from fines to a prison sentence of up to thirty days. The prosecutor asked the judge to impose the maximum fines ($1,000 per offending publication) and remind the ex-president that prison “remains an option if necessary.”
Judge Juan Merchan has not yet ruled, but he did slam Trump’s team. When his attorney Todd Blanche assured that Trump was “very careful to respect the rules,” Merchan said, “I have to point out to you that you are in the process of losing all credibility with the court.”
“Positive articles about Trump”
The witness hearings in court then resumed. The first witness to speak was David Pecker, former CEO of media company American Media. He acknowledges that he used his media company to help Trump’s campaign.
Pecker testified that in 2015 he was asked what he and his magazines could do for Trump’s campaign. “I said I would publish positive articles about Mr. Trump and negative articles about his rivals,” the former CEO reflected. Prosecutors say damaging stories about Trump have been suppressed by having media outlets buy the rights and then not publish the stories.
During this trial, prosecutors hope to demonstrate a pattern with such testimony. For example, $ 150,000 was also allegedly paid to former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who allegedly had an affair with Trump. A former Trump Tower doorman received $30,000. However, the case mainly revolves around the question of whether Trump is responsible for tampering with business documents to conceal the fact that $ 130,000 was also paid to Stormy Daniels through his fixer Cohen. She is a porn star who claims to have had an affair with him.
The criminal case is expected to last weeks.
What is the process all about?
According to prosecutors, porn actress Stormy Daniels received $130,000 (122,000 euros) to keep quiet about her sexual affair with Trump in 2006.
Paying hush money is not in itself illegal. The case revolves around the way Trump and his lawyers wrote this down in business documents. Trump is suspected of tax fraud and violating election campaign financing rules, among other things.
Trump could theoretically get a prison sentence. However, it will not stop him from being a candidate in the presidential elections on November 5.
WATCH ALSO. Trump: “This is a criminal case about an accounting”
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