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Testimony has resumed at the hush money trial of former President Donald Trump.
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand, testifying about the affairs she alleges she had with Trump. The former President has denied it.
After the lunch break, Trump’s legal team motioned for a mistrial, saying Daniels’ testimony was prejudicial. The motion was denied by Judge Juan Merchan.
This is the first time that Daniels has come face to face in the trial with the ex-president.
Trump reacted on Truth Social, saying, "This is unprecedented, no time for lawyers to prepare,” he claimed, going on to describe the judge as “CROOKED & HIGHLY CONFLICTED.” That post was deleted.
Yesterday, Judge Merchan once again ruled that Trump had violated his gag order and fined him another $1,000.00. Merchan also threatened the former president with jail time if Trump continued to speak out. As Trump left the courtroom Monday evening, he said, "I'll do that sacrifice any day."
Trump has, on numerous occasions, pointed out the political bias of various participants in the case, including Judge Merchan himself, who is a Biden donor. Trump has also decried the case as being election interference, meant to keep Trump off the campaign trail. The trial could continue for another 3-4 weeks.
Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass told Judge Merchan that even though the prosecution's case is proceeding ahead of schedule, they will still need another two weeks to finish. Only after the prosecution has finished will the defense be able to put forward their case.