Former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial has wrapped up its second week.
Trump, the first former president to be tried on criminal charges, is facing 34 counts connected to his alleged attempts to hide $130,000 in hush money payments made in 2016 to conceal claims of an extramarital affair with adult film actor Stormy Daniels.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee is represented by Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles. The prosecution is led by Susan Hoffinger and Joshua Steinglass, who were selected by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to argue the case. Judge Juan Merchan is presiding.
Also present during opening statements was Matthew Colangelo, a lawyer from Bragg’s office, who detailed a “catch and kill” scheme allegedly greenlighted by Trump. In one such scheme, he said, Trump attempted to cover up an alleged affair with Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal.
“When it came time to pay Michael Cohen back for the catch and kill deal, you’ll see he didn’t negotiate it down. He doubled it,” Colangelo said.
Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen — who served a jail sentence over his role in facilitating the payments — is expected to testify, as is Daniels.
Follow along with live updates below:
Pinned
Week 2 Has Wrapped Up. Here’s What Happened.
- The trial isn't convening on Monday, April 29, due to the Passover holiday. It will resume Tuesday.
- Defense attorneys did their best to poke holes in the testimony of National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, who was released after more than 10 hours on the stand.
- Trump lawyer Emil Bove tried to undermine Pecker’s credibility by focusing on efforts to sell the National Enquirer amid the ongoing legal trouble. In Bove’s telling, Pecker may have been so eager to end the investigations he would do anything law enforcement asked.
- In redirect, Pecker confirmed under oath that his agreement with McDougal was principally about helping Trump’s campaign by suppressing damaging stories.
- Pecker also told the prosecution he would have never signed the contract with McDougal if Michael Cohen (on behalf of the Trump organization) hadn’t agreed to reimburse him the $125,000.
- The prosecution called its second witness, longtime former Trump assistant Rhona Graff, who offered brief testimony under subpoena.
- A third witness, bank executive Gary Farro, also began testifying. Farro allegedly helped Cohen secure the home equity loan he used to pay Stormy Daniels — though Cohen said it was for real estate.
Trump Waited 15 Minutes After Court To Declare Biden A 'No-Show' To The Fake Debate Invite He Made Up At Lunch
Trump used his lunch break today to challenge President Joe Biden to a debate at the courthouse after court adjourned.
To no one’s surprise, Biden was unable to make it. Trump nevertheless triumphantly declared Biden a “no show” on social media 15 minutes after court got out today.
“I’ve been waiting for Crooked Joe at the Courthouse, the Fake News Media was there also — HE DIDN’T SHOW! ANY WHERE, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The missive was a response to Biden’s own statement Friday morning that he’d be “happy” to debate Trump, who didn’t participate in any of the 2024 GOP primary debates.
To no one’s surprise, Biden was unable to make it. Trump nevertheless triumphantly declared Biden a “no show” on social media 15 minutes after court got out today.
“I’ve been waiting for Crooked Joe at the Courthouse, the Fake News Media was there also — HE DIDN’T SHOW! ANY WHERE, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The missive was a response to Biden’s own statement Friday morning that he’d be “happy” to debate Trump, who didn’t participate in any of the 2024 GOP primary debates.
Judge Merchan Calls It A Day
Merchan has concluded the trial is at a natural stopping point for the week, and dismissed the jurors with all the typical instructions (don’t talk about the case, don’t do your own research, etc.).
Gary Farro: Michael Cohen Used A Second Account For The Stormy Daniels Payment
For reasons that are unclear, Cohen never funded the first account and instead opened a second account with the bank that he ultimately used for the Stormy Daniels payoff.
"He stated he was changing course and no longer wanted to open Resolution Consultants, and wanted to open a new account," Gary Farro told Mangold. The new LLC was called “Essential Consultants, LLC.”
"Every time Michael Cohen spoke to me he gave a sense of urgency,” he recalled, “and this was one of those times."
The second account, like the first, was purportedly for a real estate consulting company. On a form that asked if the entity is “associated with political fundraising/Political Action Committee (PAC),” Cohen checked “No.”
"He stated he was changing course and no longer wanted to open Resolution Consultants, and wanted to open a new account," Gary Farro told Mangold. The new LLC was called “Essential Consultants, LLC.”
"Every time Michael Cohen spoke to me he gave a sense of urgency,” he recalled, “and this was one of those times."
The second account, like the first, was purportedly for a real estate consulting company. On a form that asked if the entity is “associated with political fundraising/Political Action Committee (PAC),” Cohen checked “No.”
Next Witness Up Is Gary Farro, Former First Republic Bank Employee
Farro allegedly helped structure the home equity loan Cohen used to pay off Stormy Daniels. Assistant DA Rebecca Mangold is leading the questioning.
Farro told Mangold that Cohen had several accounts at the bank.
Bank executives assigned him to handle Cohen because he knew the ins and outs of bank regulation, and also because he was known to capably handle “challenging” clients.
Mangold produced a series of emails up from October 2016 for Farro to review. They’re conversations between Farro and his assistant.
"Michael Cohen just called for you, I let him know you were out of the office,” reads one from Oct. 11. “Need an account opened for Mike Cohen immediately,” reads another sent four days later. “He wants no address on the checks.”
“He said it was an account for real estate,” Farro said.
Farro told Mangold that Cohen had several accounts at the bank.
Bank executives assigned him to handle Cohen because he knew the ins and outs of bank regulation, and also because he was known to capably handle “challenging” clients.
Mangold produced a series of emails up from October 2016 for Farro to review. They’re conversations between Farro and his assistant.
"Michael Cohen just called for you, I let him know you were out of the office,” reads one from Oct. 11. “Need an account opened for Mike Cohen immediately,” reads another sent four days later. “He wants no address on the checks.”
“He said it was an account for real estate,” Farro said.
And Graff Is Done
Short and sweet, Graff's main contribution appears to be that she could link Trump to McDougal and Daniels. As she departed, Trump stood and touched her hand, according to Trumpologist Maggie Haberman.
Hoffinger Has Wrapped Up. Trump Attorney Susan Necheles Is Now Questioning Graff.
Graff described her former boss in complementary terms under cross-examination from Trump’s defense attorney, as Trump looked on, smiling.
"It was a very stimulating, exciting, fascinating place to be,” she said. "I think that [Trump] was fair, and, what’s the word I’m looking for, respectful boss to me."
Graff told Necheles she did see Stormy Daniels at Trump Tower on occasion and “assumed” she was being considered for a spot on The Apprentice.
"It was a very stimulating, exciting, fascinating place to be,” she said. "I think that [Trump] was fair, and, what’s the word I’m looking for, respectful boss to me."
Graff told Necheles she did see Stormy Daniels at Trump Tower on occasion and “assumed” she was being considered for a spot on The Apprentice.
Rhona Graff Has A Long History With Trump: ‘If She’s Called … That Will Be The End Of Trump’
Who is Rhona Graff? The one who knows where the metaphorical bodies are buried, apparently. In early 2019, as Democrats wielded their new dominance in the House by launching a wide-ranging investigation into then-President Trump, former “Apprentice” star Omarosa Manigault Newman told MSNBC whose testimony she believed Trump most feared.
“One name: Rhona Graff,” Manigault Newman said. “She knows everyone. She knows the role they play. She knows who said what and when. She set up the meetings. If she’s called to testify, that will be the end of Donald Trump.”
Graff was the former president’s longtime executive assistant, responsible for arranging his travel plans and his schedule. People who wanted to meet with Trump went through her. She was also subpoenaed by New York Attorney General Leticia James’ office in 2022 to help with the civil fraud investigation that led to a half-billion-dollar judgment against Trump. While she stayed in New York City when Trump went to Washington, she maintained her connection with him, according to a 2017 profile in The New York Times, which referred to her as Trump's "gatekeeper."
“One name: Rhona Graff,” Manigault Newman said. “She knows everyone. She knows the role they play. She knows who said what and when. She set up the meetings. If she’s called to testify, that will be the end of Donald Trump.”
Graff was the former president’s longtime executive assistant, responsible for arranging his travel plans and his schedule. People who wanted to meet with Trump went through her. She was also subpoenaed by New York Attorney General Leticia James’ office in 2022 to help with the civil fraud investigation that led to a half-billion-dollar judgment against Trump. While she stayed in New York City when Trump went to Washington, she maintained her connection with him, according to a 2017 profile in The New York Times, which referred to her as Trump's "gatekeeper."
Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger Asks Graff About Her Time In The Trump Org
The 34-year Trump employee is testifying under a subpoena and is being represented by two lawyers paid for by the Trump Organization.
Graff says she sat outside Trump’s office on the 26th floor of Trump Tower. She maintained Trump’s calendar and various contact lists, she said, including information for Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels, who was listed in the system as “Stormy” alongside her cell phone number.
She says she never recalled Trump using email.
Graff says she sat outside Trump’s office on the 26th floor of Trump Tower. She maintained Trump’s calendar and various contact lists, she said, including information for Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels, who was listed in the system as “Stormy” alongside her cell phone number.
She says she never recalled Trump using email.
Pecker Ends His Testimony And The Next Witness Takes The Stand
After more than 10 hours on the stand, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker is done. The prosecution has called its next witness, longtime former Trump assistant Rhona Graff.
Trump praised Graff’s loyalty in his 1997 book, “The Art of the Comeback.” Per CNN, Graff didn’t appear to make eye contact with Trump as she walked to the witness stand, though Trump looked at her.
Trump praised Graff’s loyalty in his 1997 book, “The Art of the Comeback.” Per CNN, Graff didn’t appear to make eye contact with Trump as she walked to the witness stand, though Trump looked at her.
Trump Would 'Love To Be With Melania On Her Birthday,' If Not For Court
Over the lunch break, Trump's campaign sent a text to supporters lamenting that Trump couldn't spend time with his wife on her birthday because of his criminal trial.
"I'D LOVE TO BE WITH MELANIA ON HER BIRTHDAY, BUT INSTEAD I'M STUCK IN COURT!" the all-caps text reads.
Last year, Trump appeared to forget it was Melania Trump's birthday, but had time to post more than a dozen times on Truth Social.
And in 2018, Trump admitted he was "too busy" to get his wife a present for her birthday.
Melania, meanwhile, hasn't shown up for any of Trump's criminal trial appearances.
"I'D LOVE TO BE WITH MELANIA ON HER BIRTHDAY, BUT INSTEAD I'M STUCK IN COURT!" the all-caps text reads.
Last year, Trump appeared to forget it was Melania Trump's birthday, but had time to post more than a dozen times on Truth Social.
And in 2018, Trump admitted he was "too busy" to get his wife a present for her birthday.
Melania, meanwhile, hasn't shown up for any of Trump's criminal trial appearances.
We’re Back
Trump is back in the courtroom and court has resumed. David Pecker is expected to conclude his testimony this afternoon. Prosecutors say they have around 30 minutes of questioning left, and afterward, the defense has the opportunity to question Pecker once more.
Lunch Break
Court is on hiatus for lunch. We'll return this afternoon with the rest of the testimony from National Enquirer publisher David Pecker.
Pecker Agrees Story Was Suppressed To Prevent Influence On Election
During redirect questioning, Pecker agreed with prosecutors that the "principal purpose" of suppressing the story about Trump and McDougal was to prevent it from having an influence on the presidential election.
"AMI's principal purpose into entering into the agreement was to suppress the model's story so as to prevent it from influencing the election," Steinglass said.
Pecker said he agreed with that characterization.
"AMI's principal purpose into entering into the agreement was to suppress the model's story so as to prevent it from influencing the election," Steinglass said.
Pecker said he agreed with that characterization.
And With That, Cross-Examination Of Pecker Concludes
The former National Enquirer publisher will likely now sit for another round of questions from the prosecution.
Bove Tries To Bait Pecker Into Discrediting Cohen
Recalling yesterday’s testimony, Bove brought up the Federal Election Commission letter that Pecker said left him “very worried” he might be charged with campaign finance violations.
Cohen told him not to worry, because “Jeff Sessions is the Attorney General, and Donald Trump has him in his pocket.”
“Based on your experience Michael Cohen was prone to exaggeration?" Bove asked. When Pecker agreed, Bove went further: “Could not trust anything he said?”
The question prompted an objection from the prosecution, which Judge Merchan sustained.
Cohen told him not to worry, because “Jeff Sessions is the Attorney General, and Donald Trump has him in his pocket.”
“Based on your experience Michael Cohen was prone to exaggeration?" Bove asked. When Pecker agreed, Bove went further: “Could not trust anything he said?”
The question prompted an objection from the prosecution, which Judge Merchan sustained.
Bove Zeroes In On Efforts To Sell The National Enquirer Amid Legal Troubles
Bove asked Pecker about attempts to sell the tabloid along with two others to Hudson News Group, and how the ongoing investigations have complicated the transaction.
Pecker confirmed a deal in the neighborhood of $100 million was hashed out, but that the investigations had to be cleared up before the deal could go through.
"If AMI had been indicted that would have affected the value of its assets?” Bove asked.
Pecker answered affirmatively.
"To Hudson News, the federal investigation was going to reduce the earnings of those magazines," he said.
Pecker confirmed a deal in the neighborhood of $100 million was hashed out, but that the investigations had to be cleared up before the deal could go through.
"If AMI had been indicted that would have affected the value of its assets?” Bove asked.
Pecker answered affirmatively.
"To Hudson News, the federal investigation was going to reduce the earnings of those magazines," he said.
Cohen Asked Pecker To Send Paparazzi To His Meeting With Another Billionaire
An interesting aside from earlier this morning: Pecker said Michael Cohen once asked him to send paparazzi to a meeting Cohen had with Mark Cuban.
Cohen apparently believed the resulting photos would impress Trump and "put pressure" on him to respect Cohen more.
Cohen apparently believed the resulting photos would impress Trump and "put pressure" on him to respect Cohen more.
After A Brief Recess, We're Back
Trump attorney Emil Bove told Merchan prior to the morning break that he has less than an hour left for cross examination. After that, prosecutors can question Pecker again in what's known as a redirect.
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