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.
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.
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Daniels says she chose nondisclosure for her safety
Defense attorney Susan Necheles resumed her cross-examination of Stormy Daniels by focusing on Daniels' motivation for selling her story ahead of the 2016 election.
Daniels previously testified that she wanted to get her story out but was afraid for her safety, so she opted instead to sign the nondisclosure with Trump and receive $130,000.
Pressed on the topic, Daniels said she initially wanted to get her story out.
"I was asking to sell my story to publications to get the truth out," Daniels. "I wanted to do a press conference."
Daniels added that she thought she was "running out of time" to get the story out.
"You were running out of time to get money?" Necheles asked.
"No, to get the story out," Daniels responded.
Daniels said she opted to sign a nondisclosure agreement to prioritize her safety.
"I choose to be safe," Daniels said.
"You choose to make money, right?" Necheles said.
"I choose to take a nondisclosure," Daniels replied.
Stormy Daniels retakes the stand
"Good morning, Mr. Trump," Judge Merchan said as he opened the day's proceedings.
The judge began the morning by precluding defense lawyers from questioning Daniels about a past arrest that never resulted in a conviction.
"Anybody can be arrested," Merchan said. "That does not prove a thing."
Stormy Daniels entered the courtroom and took her seat on the witness stand for the defense to resume its cross-examination. Judge Merchan reminded her that she is still under oath.
Trump appeared to glance at her as she passed his counsel table.
Court is back in session
Judge Juan Merchan has taken the bench and court is back in session for Day 14 of Donald Trump's criminal trial.
Defense attorney Susan Necheles is sitting on Trump's right at the defense table, Todd Blanche is to his immediate left, and Emil Bove occupies the seat over.
A packed row of Trump's supporters, including Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, occupy the first row of the gallery directly behind Trump.
Trump enters courtroom
Former President Donald Trump has entered the courtroom.
As he made his way down the isle to his seat at the defense table, a man seated on the right side of the court room stood up -- something that is not allowed -- and gave Trump a thumbs-up as he passed.