Donald Trump is back in the spotlight amidst his quiet money trial, which could potentially result in jail time due to further violations of a silence order. As the end of the case nears, the prosecution prepares to call upon notable witnesses.
Both Stormy Daniels, the adult film actress who alleges a sexual encounter with Trump, and Michael Cohen, Trump’s past attorney and personal facilitator accused of paying her off in the countdown to the 2016 Presidential race, have yet to testify but are projected to do so soon.
This Monday, a jury was presented with testimonies from a pair of witnesses, including an ex-controller for the Trump Organization. Their evidence, which came across as commonplace yet critical, shed light on the method of reimbursing the supposed hush money and recording this transaction as legal fees, an act which Manhattan’s attorneys argue is illegal.
Crucial evidence from Jeffrey McConney serves as a significant guiding stone for prosecutors aiming to unearth an alleged cover-up of financial exchanges intended for shielding Trump’s Presidential campaign during a crucial period. This included a $130,000 payment (€120,749) made to Daniels by Cohen and Cohen’s subsequent reimbursement.
Another crucial piece of evidence came when McConney, along with another witness, testified that reimbursement checks came from Trump’s personal account. Nonetheless, prosecutors could not produce evidence on Monday linking Trump to the decision to categorise these payments as legal expenses, a move which they allege was purposely misleading. During a cross-examination, McConney accepted that he was never asked by Trump to classify the reimbursements as such or discuss this topic with him.
Deborah Tarasoff, a supervisor in accounts payable for the Trump Organization, further testified that she didn’t receive approval directly from Trump for issuing the debated cheques.
Responding to questioning by Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche on whether she had any cause to suspect President Trump was concealing something, Tarasoff said, “Correct”.
Meanwhile, judge Juan M Merchan has cautioned strongly against further violations of the court’s gag order — prohibiting Trump’s inflammatory remarks about the case’s participants — warning that these may result in prison time. For the second time since the commencement of the trial last month, Trump has faced penalties for non-compliance with the gag order; a fine of $1,000 was levied on Monday.
Last week, he was penalised with $9,000, with each offence costing him $1,000. The judge, addressing the courtroom prior to the jury’s arrival, asserted that the $1,000 penalties seemed to hold no preventive impact. As such, imprisonment may be under consideration. The judge commented that Trump’s expositions were undermining the fair execution of justice by attacking the rule of law.
Such behaviour, the judge stated, could not be condoned any further. As the sentence was being delivered, Trump was seen leaning in his chair, exuding a clear air of displeasure towards the judge. Soon after the judge finished, Trump displayed his disagreement by crossing his arms and shaking his head in denial.
Even amidst the stern warning concerning jail time, the judge expressed a certain reluctance, describing incarceration as an undesirable ultimate measure. The judge stated his unwillingness to imprison Trump, acknowledging his status as a past and potentially future president of the United States. He iterated that he finds imprisonment a last-ditch option and raised concerns that it could disrupt ongoing proceedings.
Trump’s most recent contravention originates from a TV interview on April 22nd with Real America’s Voice. He took issue with the quick selection of the jury, alleging, without any supporting evidence, that Democrats formed the bulk of the jury. The prosecution is banking on their key witness, Mr Cohen, to bolster their case. He had previously admitted to federal charges linked to the secret payout case.
The adversary lawyers, seeking to contest his credibility, are preparing an intense cross-examination. Trump, who leads as the probable nominee for the Republican party, faces 34 charges of fraudulent business operations in relation to the covert payments. He has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges, and denies any form of misconduct. His trial, the first of four criminal cases under his name to be judged by a jury, is projected to continue for at least another month.