Porn star Stormy Daniels is set to testify in the New York criminal hush money trial of former president Donald Trump. The case involves charges of falsifying business records related to a payment made to Daniels to keep her from speaking before the 2016 presidential election about alleged sexual encounters with Trump in 2006. Trump’s involvement in the scheme, which was orchestrated by his then-lawyer Michael Cohen, constitutes an attempt to unlawfully influence the election, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Trump’s frustration with the witness schedule and the judge in his trial was made evident when he posted, and later deleted, a statement criticizing the lack of time for lawyers to prepare and the late notification of witnesses by the prosecution. Judge Juan Merchan had threatened Trump with jail time for multiple violations of the gag order that prohibited him from speaking about likely witnesses in the trial. Despite being fined $10,000 for violating the gag order 10 times, Trump continued to criticize the judge and prosecutor Joshua Steinglass, accusing them of political bias and infringing upon his First Amendment rights.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office justified keeping the witness schedule hidden to prevent Trump from targeting witnesses before they testify, given his history of violating restrictions on extrajudicial speech. Despite Trump’s claims that he was not given sufficient time to prepare, his attorneys had access to the witness list and exhibits for months. However, Trump’s repeated violations of the gag order led to Merchan holding him in contempt of court and imposing fines, acknowledging that jail time might be necessary if the violations continued.
Trump’s accusations of bias and conflict of interest against Merchan have not resulted in the judge recusing himself. The expanded gag order now prohibits Trump from speaking about likely witnesses, as well as making certain statements about lawyers, court staff, and their family members. Trump’s attacks on the judge, the district attorney, and their respective family members prompted the extension of the gag order to protect them from further harassment or intimidation.
The ongoing legal battle highlights the tension between Trump and the judicial system, with the former president refusing to comply with court orders, facing fines for contempt, and persistently challenging the integrity of the trial. Despite the efforts to hold Trump accountable for his actions, including violating campaign finance laws and attempting to obstruct justice, the outcome of the trial remains uncertain as Stormy Daniels prepares to testify and reveal potentially damaging information about Trump’s involvement in the hush money scheme. As the trial unfolds, the public awaits further updates on the proceedings and how they will impact Trump’s legal and political future.
