After a brief recess, former President Trump’s criminal trial is set to resume on Monday. The past week has been eventful, with key witnesses taking the stand and thousands of dollars in fines being handed down to the presumptive Republican nominee. However, the trial is far from over, with the potential for more fines looming.
The trial centers around 34 counts of falsifying business records, which were uncovered by a years-long investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. These charges stem from alleged hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in order to silence her about an alleged extramarital affair with Trump before the 2016 election.
In order to secure a conviction, District Attorney Alvin Bragg must prove not only that Trump falsified the business records, but that he did so in furtherance of another crime – in this case, conspiracy to promote or prevent the election. On their own, these charges are misdemeanors, but if proven, they could still have significant consequences for Trump.
Last week, the prosecution called a number of witnesses to testify, including Keith Davidson, an attorney who once represented Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. In his testimony, Davidson stated that while Daniels’ denial of an affair with Trump was technically true, the money paid to her by Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen was not a payoff but a “consideration.”
However, during cross-examination, Trump’s defense attorneys played audio recordings of Davidson admitting that Cohen did not need Trump’s authority to make the payment to Daniels. This highlights the defense’s argument that Trump was not involved in any conspiracy to silence Daniels.
Another key witness was Doug Daus, a computer forensic analyst for the DA’s office. Daus testified about examining two cellphones belonging to Cohen and played an audio recording of a conversation Cohen had with someone named “David” about setting up a company for “our friend David,” referencing Trump. During the call, Trump can be heard asking about financing, indicating that he was not aware of the purpose of the company being set up.
The jury also heard from bank executive Gary Farro, who assisted Cohen in setting up an account for Essential Consultants, LLC, the shell company that Bragg alleges was used to make the payment to Daniels. However, Farro testified that there was nothing to indicate that the account was being used for unlawful purposes and that he was unaware it was being done on behalf of Trump.
Towards the end of the week, former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks took the stand. Hicks, who also worked for the Trump Organization, testified that Trump was always in control of his message and was a master of staying on track. She also stated that he told her the claims of an affair with Karen McDougal were “unequivocally untrue.”
Hicks also criticized Cohen, saying he tried to insert himself into the campaign but was only focused on Trump’s private business credentials. She also testified that Trump did not want any negative stories about him or his family to hurt his campaign, further reinforcing the defense’s argument of Trump’s lack of involvement in any conspiracy.
However, Trump’s week did not end without controversy. He was fined $9,000 for violating a gag order imposed on him by Judge Juan Merchan. Trump has also called the gag order “unconstitutional” and plans to appeal it, citing a violation of his First Amendment rights. He has also called for the judge to recuse himself, claiming he is biased against him.
In addition, Trump has continuously referred to the trial as “rigged” and in coordination with the Biden administration, called it “election interference.” Despite these accusations, the trial continues, with the defense likely to call their own witnesses and present their own evidence.
While the trial is ongoing, Trump has taken advantage of court-free Wednesdays and has held rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan. He has also made appearances at other events, such as delivering pizzas to FDNY firefighters to honor first responders.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on Trump’s future political endeavors. However, the evidence and testimony presented so far have not definitively proven his guilt, leaving room for speculation and debate about the outcome of the trial.
