Judge Warns Trump Over Behavior During Stormy Daniels' Testimony

 

Judge Warns Trump Over Behavior During Stormy Daniels' Testimony

In a dramatic moment during Donald Trump's hush money trial, Judge Juan Merchan called out the former president's defense attorney, Todd Blanche, to the bench and admonished Trump's behavior during adult film actress Stormy Daniels' testimony. According to the trial transcript, Merchan expressed concern over Trump's "contemptuous" behavior, including audible cursing and headshaking, which he deemed potentially intimidating to the witness and jury.

Daniels had begun testifying about her 2006 encounter with Trump in his hotel room, where she alleges they had an affair. Trump has denied the affair and pleaded not guilty to charges related to the $130,000 payment made to Daniels to keep her quiet before the 2016 election.

Merchan addressed Blanche at the bench, saying, "I understand that your client is upset at this point, but he is cursing audibly, and he is shaking his head visually, and that's contemptuous. It has the potential to intimidate the witness and the jury can see that." Blanche acknowledged the warning and agreed to speak to Trump about his behavior.

The judge specifically pointed out two instances of Trump's behavior, including when Daniels described an incident where she "spanked" Trump with a magazine, and later when Trump uttered a vulgarity while looking at Blanche. Merchan emphasized that he did not want to embarrass Trump but would not tolerate such behavior in the courtroom.

Daniels' testimony continued, with her describing her initial meeting with Trump at a celebrity golf tournament and the events leading up to their alleged encounter in his Lake Tahoe hotel room. She also detailed their conversation, including discussions about her career as an adult film star and the possibility of appearing on "The Celebrity Apprentice" reality show.

The judge's warning to Trump highlights the tense and dramatic nature of the trial, which has drawn widespread attention. Trump's behavior in the courtroom has been closely watched, and this incident may further fuel the controversy surrounding the former president's legal troubles.