Trump trial: Stormy Daniels tells (almost) all about alleged encounter with Trump

Donald Trump watched Stormy Daniels testify on Day 13 of his hush money trial.

Last Updated: May 7, 2024, 7:29 PM EDT

Former President Donald Trump is on trial in New York City, where he is facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. It marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges.

Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.

Apr 22, 5:51 am

What to know about the hush money case

May 07, 2024, 11:53 AM EDT

'Oh my god' Daniels says of her reaction to Trump on bed

Stormy Daniels said that Trump was on the bed when she came out of the bathroom.

"Mr. Trump had come into the bedroom and was on the bed, basically between myself and the exit," Daniels said.

Trump was wearing his "boxer shorts and T-shirt," she said.

"I felt that the room spun in slow motion. I felt the blood basically leave my hand and feet," Daniels said. "Oh my god, what did I misread to get here."

"What was your reaction to seeing him like that?," Hoffinger asked.

"First I was just startled, like a jump scare," Daniels said.

"I think I blacked out," Daniels said about her memory of the interaction. She affirmed that she was not drinking or on drugs during the exchange.

One juror, who had been writing down notes, looked up from his page and raised his eyebrows as Daniels recalled the sight of Trump on his bed.

Trump motioned to his attorney Susan Necheles to object as Daniels began to describe what transpired before the two became intimate, which she did. The judge summoned both parties to the bench.

The objection is sustained, said the judge.

May 07, 2024, 11:46 AM EDT

Daniels describes items in suite's bathroom

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger resumed the direct examination of Stormy Daniels, asking her if she ever used the bathroom during her time in Trump’s suite.

“I did notice the bed was unmade but there were no personal items around,” Daniels said. “There was a leather-looking toiletry bag on the counter.”

Daniels said she snooped in the bag.

“I did look and I am not proud of it,” Daniels said. “The items were Old Spice and Pert Plus. A manicure set, which was gold.”

May 07, 2024, 11:42 AM EDT

Court resumes after break

Judge Juan Merchan resumed the proceedings by asking prosecutors to speed up Stormy Daniels' testimony.

"The degree of detail ... is just unnecessary," Merchan said.

Daniels walked back in to the courtroom and again did not look over at Trump.

Trump had his head down, looking at papers on his desk, as she walked by.

May 07, 2024, 11:28 AM EDT

'You remind me of my daughter,' Daniels says Trump told her

Stormy Daniels testified that Trump suggested she go on "The Apprentice."

"He told me an idea -- that I should go on his television show," Daniels said.

"I said there was no way [they] would ever let me on TV," Daniels said she responded. "I said, 'Even you don't have that much power.'"

"You remind me of my daughter," Daniels said Trump responded, remaking about how people underestimate her intelligence.

"Approximately how long were you talking, in total, in the suite?" Hoffinger asked.

"Close to two hours. It was a long time," Daniels said.

"Did you sense any red flags?" Hoffinger asked.

"No," she said.

Court then broke for a brief recess. When Daniels exited the courtroom, she walked by Trump on her way out but did not look toward the former president.

Trump appeared to be talking with his lawyers when she walked by.

Trump then exited the courtroom for the mid-morning break, giving a fist-pump as he exited.

Related Topics