Trump trial: Judge rebukes Michael Cohen ahead of expected testimony Monday

Former President Trump was in court on Day 15 of his criminal trial in New York.

Last Updated: May 10, 2024, 1:54 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 09, 2024, 2:58 PM EDT

Westerhout testifies about 'Access Hollywood' fallout

Before she worked in the White House, witness Madeleine Westerhout worked at the Republican National Committee.

On the stand, she testified about the aftermath of the release of the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape.

"It was a tape of Mr. Trump and Billy Bush," she said. "At the time I recall it rattling RNC leadership."

Prosecutor Becky Mangold asked, "Did the RNC consider replacing Mr. Trump as a candidate?"

Westerhout told the jury, "It's my recollection there were conversations how it would be possible to replace him as the candidate if it came to that."

Westerhout testified that after Trump won the election, she helped with the presidential transition.

She said she earned the nickname "Greeter Girl" in the media after she helped coordinate meetings at Trump Tower, appearing in videos and photos accompanying potential Trump appointees in the Trump Tower lobby.

May 09, 2024, 2:51 PM EDT

Prosecutors call White House aide Madeleine Westerhout

Prosecutors have called their next big witness: Madeleine Westerhout, who was Trump's director of Oval Office operations in the White House.

Westerhout was subpoenaed to testify.

Asked if she is nervous to testify, she responded, "I am now." This is her first time in a courtroom, she said.

Trump leaned forward in her chair, watching her intently.

May 09, 2024, 2:46 PM EDT

Jury hears quotes from Trump on his management approach

The prosecution has next called Tracy Menzies, a senior vice president at HarperCollins.

She is testifying about Donald Trump and Bill Zanker's 2007 book, "Think Big: Make It Happen in Business and Life."

Trump, at the defense table, tilted his head up at the large screen at the front of the courtroom and then leaned toward his monitor at the defense table as his image appeared on the cover jacket for the book.

Menzies testified about passages from the book, quoting Trump's approach to business and people management.

"As a matter of fact, I value loyalty above everything else -- more than brains, more than drive, more than energy," Trump wrote in one portion of the book, read aloud by Menzies. Another portion of the book noted that loyalty has become "part of the corporate culture of the Trump Organization."

"My motto is: Always get even. When somebody screws you, screw them back in spades," read another quote.

"When you are wronged, go after those people because it is a good feeling and because other people will see you doing it."

Also: "Get the best people and don't trust them."

May 09, 2024, 2:29 PM EDT

Defense highlights that Trump checks were for 'personal bills'

Defense attorney Susan Necheles conducted a short cross-examination of Trump Organization Rebecca Manochio about her time at the Trump Organization.

"Is it a nice place to work?" Necheles asked.

"Yes," Manochio said.

"You didn't really interact with President Trump?" Necheles asked.

"No," Manochio replied.

During her cross examination, Manochio also testified that then-CFO Allen Weisselberg rarely communicated with Trump once he took office.

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump sits in front of a FedEx sign as Rebecca Manochio, a bookkeeper who works at Trump Organization, testifies during Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan state court in New York City, May 9, 2024 in this courtroom sketch.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits in front of a FedEx sign as Rebecca Manochio, a bookkeeper who works at Trump Organization, testifies during Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan state court in New York City, May 9, 2024 in this courtroom sketch.
Jane Rosenberg via Reuters

"President Trump and Allen Weisselberg did not speak at all?" Susan Necheles asked.

"Correct," Manochio responded.

Necheles attempted to highlight that the checks made out to Michael Cohen, that were sent to Trump for his signature, were sent to Trump's bodyguard in Washington because they were for "personal bills" that needed to be quickly paid, and the White House delayed Trump's personal mail.

"These were all personal bills that had to be paid promptly?" Necheles asked.

"Yes," Manochio said.

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