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Trump trial updates: Appeals court denies defense's bid for judge's recusal
The defense rested its case Tuesday without testimony from Donald Trump.
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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Cohen asked about communication with reporters
Defense attorney Todd Blanche opened today's questioning by asked Cohen about his communication with reporters.
"Since that time [when your last testimony ended], how many reporters have you talked to?" Blanche asked.
Cohen said he's spoken to reporters "who called to say hello, to see how I'm doing," but that he didn't talk about the case.
"Didn't speak at all about your testimony last week?" Blanche asked.
"Correct," Cohen responded.
As Cohen resumed his testimony, jurors appeared attentive, with several taking notes. Trump sat slouched at his chair with his eyes closed.
Michael Cohen retakes witness stand
Following the break, former Trump attorney Michael Cohen has entered the courtroom.
He took his seat in the witness box to resume his cross-examination as Trump looked on.
Attorneys conference at bench on discovery issue
Defense attorney Todd Blanche asked to approach the bench about an ongoing discovery issue.
Both legal teams leaned in as Blanche spoke to the judge.
With the sidebar completed, the judge called for a ten-minute break.
Judge won't let defense expand expert witness' testimony
Judge Merchan denied a request from defense lawyers to broaden the scope of testimony from their expert witness Bradley Smith, who is an expert on campaign finance regulations.
On Thursday, defense lawyers asked Merchan to allow Smith to testify about various terms related to federal campaign finance laws. Merchan denied the request, citing long standing precedent prohibiting witness testimony about the law.
"An expert is not permitted to present or interpret the law," Merchan said.
Merchan also expressed concerns about Smith's testimony prompting a "battle of the experts" between Smith and an expert called by prosecutors, which Merchan said would confuse the jury.
Merchan said that Smith could still testify, as long as he follows the limits imposed in his pretrial ruling on the case's motions in limine.
"The court will monitor this testimony closely to ensure full compliance," Merchan said in a pretrial ruling. "Any deviation from this ruling could result in sanction up to and including striking the expert's entire testimony."
Trump, sitting at the defense table, shook his head after the judge announced his ruling.
Costello retakes the stand
“Let’s get the witness please,” Judge Juan Merchan said after taking the bench.
Michael Cohen's one-time legal adviser Robert Costello entered the courtroom and took the witness stand to continue his cross-examination.
“Good Morning, Mr. Costello. Welcome back,” Judge Merchan said.