Trump trial: Cohen faces Trump team grilling over past lies, recollections

The defense questioned Trump's former lawyer on Day 18 of the hush money trial.

ByAaron Katersky, Peter Charalambous, Olivia Rubin, Lucien Bruggeman, and Julia Reinstein
Last Updated: May 16, 2024, 4:46 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.

Top headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Apr 22, 5:51 am

What to know about the hush money case

READ MORE: Here's what you need to know about the historic case.

May 16, 2024, 9:31 AM EDT

Proceedings are underway

"Good morning, Mr. Trump," Judge Juan Merchan said in his usual fashion after taking the bench.

The proceedings immediately began with a private sidebar between the parties and Merchan.

May 16, 2024, 9:28 AM EDT

Trump enters courtroom with several lawmakers

Donald Trump has entered the courtroom accompanied, like yesterday, by an entourage that includes several members of Congress.

Reps. Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz are among those seated in the front row of the gallery.

PHOTO: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Rep. Andy Ogles, Rep. Matt Gaetz, Rep. Andy Biggs, and Rep. Lauren Boebert, look on as former President Donald Trump appears at Manhattan criminal court in New York, on May 16, 2024.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Rep. Andy Ogles, Rep. Matt Gaetz, Rep. Andy Biggs, and Rep. Lauren Boebert, look on as former President Donald Trump appears at Manhattan criminal court in New York, on May 16, 2024.
Mike Segar/Pool via AP

The group is so large that a few members are sitting at the back of the courtroom because the first two rows of the gallery do not have enough space.

May 16, 2024, 9:17 AM EDT

Prosecutors enter courtroom

Prosecutors for the Manhattan district attorney’s office have entered the courtroom.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is not currently in attendance.

May 16, 2024, 9:08 AM EDT

Trump arrives for proceedings

Former President Trump has arrived at the courthouse for today's proceedings.

This will be the final day of court this week, as court is off on Friday for Trump to attend his son Barron's high school graduation.

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