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.

Defense attorney Todd Blanche turned his attention to the origins of the catch-and-kill arrangement with National Enquirer publisher David Pecker. He asked Michael Cohen about his past testimony regarding the August 2015 Trump Tower meeting with Trump and Pecker where prosecutors say the conspiracy was formed.

Cohen earlier testified that the meeting was important because the "power of the National Enquirer is its placements in supermarkets."

"Had you ever told anyone that before your testimony this week?" Blanche asked.

"Not that I recall," Cohen said.

Blanche asked about Dino Saludjin, the doorman who was paid off after falsely claiming that Trump had a love child.

"The story was false, correct?" Blanche asked.

"I believe so yes," Cohen responded.

"Do you have any doubt in your mind it was false?" Blanche asked.

"No sir," Cohen said.

Blanche Cohen asked if Trump "was worried about the story getting out because of his employees?" appearing to challenge Cohen's testimony about why hush money was paid.

"He mentioned that I should speak to them as well," Cohen said.