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.

Michael Cohen, who has fielded questions about his lies, his criminal convictions, his ego, and his personal and professional failings -- in short, the darkest moments of his life -- has remained largely calm, candid, and polite on the stand.

Answering a long series of questions about the job he eventually got as personal attorney to President Trump. Cohen spoke slowly and evenly as he recounted how told his daughter he was "not the right person for Chief of Staff," even though he "would have liked to have been considered for ego purposes."

"But you were disappointed that after all the work you've done for Trump for nine and a half years, nobody, including President Trump offered you position in the White House?" defense attorney Todd Blanche asked.

"That's not accurate," Cohen replied.

"You were not embarrassed that after all the work you've done for him, you were left being his personal attorney and nothing more?" Blanche asked.

"That's the role that I wanted," Cohen said.