Update, 11:00 a.m.: In the U.S., experts are surprised that Judge Juan Merchan has not yet issued a ruling on Trump’s possible violations of the gag order imposed. “It’s a mystery to me,” said Elie Honig, a legal expert for CNN. Merchan has announced a hearing on the matter for Thursday.
Update, 9:21 a.m.: Stressful days lie ahead for Donald Trump. Today, Tuesday, the ex-president has to appear as a defendant in the trial in New York. On Wednesday, the court will take a break. Trump will take the opportunity to travel to Wisconsin and Michigan to campaign. Both states are considered “swing states” in the 2024 U.S. election, i.e. states where both parties can hope to win. He will then return to New York for the court hearing on Thursday.
Trump trial continues in New York
First published on April 30, 2024: New York – After a day off, the Big Apple is back in court today. For Donald Trump, that means being in court, no time for campaigning and, in the worst case, another fine.
This week it will be decided whether Donald Trump’s statements violate the gag order imposed on him by Judge Juan Merchan for the duration of the trial in New York. Judge Juan Merchan has announced a decision for Thursday on the prosecution’s charge that Trump ignored the so-called “gag order” at least 14 times.
Trump must be present at New York trial
Until then, the court will hold two more days of hearings in New York. Donald Trump must be present, as he is required to attend all scheduled court hearings until a possible verdict. This limits the Republican candidate’s ability to campaign for the upcoming US elections in November 2024.
Trump himself has repeatedly called for the gag order to be lifted, most recently on his social media platform Truth Social. Trump called the gag order “unprecedented and unconstitutional.”
Trump in court: the key players in the New York trial
But before a decision is made in New York on possible punishments for Donald Trump, more witnesses will be heard. So far, three people have taken the stand and told the twelve-member jury about their experiences with the ex-president.
Donald Trump trial in New York
- David Pecker made the first move. The former editor of the tabloid “National Enquirer” confirmed that he was involved in a hush money payment from Trump to Playmate Karen McDougal.
- He was followed by Rhona Graff, who worked for the Trump Organization for several decades and was considered “Trump’s right-hand woman,” according to USA Today. She confirmed in court in New York that the defendant allegedly had contact with Stormy Daniels on several occasions.
- The third witness to begin his testimony is Gary Farro. As an employee of First Republic Bank, Farro was involved in processing the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. He will continue his testimony on Tuesday, April 30.
Numerous other witnesses are expected as the trial progresses. These include experts in campaign finance and tax law, as well as other former employees of the Trump Organization. But the testimony of the ex-president’s former associates is likely to be more juicy.
- Michael Cohen: Trump’s ex-lawyer is now considered one of his biggest adversaries. He handled his former client’s hush money payments and is likely to spill some details on the stand.
- Karen McDougal: The former Playmate had an affair with Trump that lasted several months.
- Stormy Daniels: The adult film actress and her affair with Trump are at the center of the entire trial. Her testimony is considered almost certain.
- Hope Hicks: The former member of Trump’s campaign team also followed her boss to the White House. The 35-year-old former model was also involved in the hush money payments.
Will Donald Trump be a witness in his own trial?
It remains unclear whether Donald Trump himself will take the stand in New York. If the prosecution calls him, he may well invoke his right to refuse to testify. The same goes for his wife, Melania Trump, who was heavily pregnant with their only child, Barron Trump, during Trump’s affairs with McDougal and Daniels.
Trump has been indicted on 34 counts in New York. However, he is not accused of paying hush money, but of filing false business reports to cover up the payments. Trump is also accused of violating campaign finance laws by concealing the payments. In addition, prosecutors say the payments were illegal attempts to influence the election.
The trial against Trump will last several weeks. A verdict is expected no earlier than May 31 and no later than June 14.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
