Judge Merchan began by denying the state's request to enter into evidence former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg's separation agreement with the company.

"It would come in as a business record, but I am not going to allow it in," Merchan said. "It doesn't prove any element of the offense, it doesn't move the ball in any way."

Prosecutors sought to introduce the agreement -- which allotted Weisselberg $2 million after he left the Trump Organization-- to explain why Weisselberg was not testifying at the trial. Weisselberg is currently serving a five-month sentence on Rikers Island for perjury.

Trump, meanwhile, has been waiting patients at the defense table for the jury to enter, which is taking a bit longer than usual.

"Where's the jury?" one individual in his entourage could be heard whispering.

Judge Juan Merchan took his seat on the bench and opened the day's proceedings.

Each of the lawyers made brief introductions before Merchan addressed Trump in his usual fashion.

"Good morning, Mr. Trump," Merchan said from the bench.

Donald Trump has entered the courtroom. He looked around the room as he made his way to the front.

The former president is joined by his attorneys, as well as numerous associates and Secret Service.

Eric Trump and attorney Alina Habba are seated together in the first row, immediately behind Trump. Behind them in the second row, which is completely full, are Trump's legal adviser Boris Epshteyn, Natalie Harp, and J.D. Vance.

Campaign team members Jason Miller and Karoline Levitt are seated in the very back of the courtroom.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has also entered the courtroom.

Prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney's office have entered the courtroom.

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, who is expected to lead Michael Cohen's direct examination, placed a hefty three-inch binder at the lectern before returning to the counsel table.

Cohen said National Enquirer parest AMI would send him advanced covers of upcoming editions of the National Enquirer, which frequently showed negative stories about Trump's political foes -- including Hillary Clinton.

Asked what he would do with those copies, Cohen said he "immediately showed it to Mr. Trump."

"Why?" prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked.

"So he knew that David was loyal, on board ... doing everything he said he was going to do in that August meeting," Cohen said.
Cohen said Trump's reaction would typically be akin to: "Fantastic."

The jury saw an email exchange regarding Cohen personally editing a story about Trump that was going to be in the National Enquirer. It was billed as an exclusive: "The Trump that Nobody Knows."

"Is this an example of your working with AMI to get stories out that would benefit the Trump campaign?" Hoffinger asled.

"It is an example," Cohen replied.