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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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.
Prosecutors arrive in courtroom
Prosecutors have entered the courtroom.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg was not with them when they came in.
Defense highlights that Trump checks were for 'personal bills'
Defense attorney Susan Necheles conducted a short cross-examination of Trump Organization Rebecca Manochio about her time at the Trump Organization.
"Is it a nice place to work?" Necheles asked.
"Yes," Manochio said.
"You didn't really interact with President Trump?" Necheles asked.
"No," Manochio replied.
During her cross examination, Manochio also testified that then-CFO Allen Weisselberg rarely communicated with Trump once he took office.
"President Trump and Allen Weisselberg did not speak at all?" Susan Necheles asked.
"Correct," Manochio responded.
Necheles attempted to highlight that the checks made out to Michael Cohen, that were sent to Trump for his signature, were sent to Trump's bodyguard in Washington because they were for "personal bills" that needed to be quickly paid, and the White House delayed Trump's personal mail.
"These were all personal bills that had to be paid promptly?" Necheles asked.
"Yes," Manochio said.