How Trump witness Robert Costello came to anger the trial judge: From the transcript – The Washington Post
Judge Merchan told Robert Costello not to roll his eyes, stare him down, talk over objections or sigh “jeez.” At one point, he cleared the room of reporters.
New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan on Monday admonished Robert Costello, a defense witness, in a heated exchange on the day prosecutors rested their case against Donald Trump. The former president, who has pleaded not guilty, is facing charges of allegedly falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment in 2016.
Former president Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial is underway in New York. Follow live updates from the trial.
Key witnesses: Several key witnesses, including David Pecker and Stormy Daniels, have taken the stand. Here’s what Daniels said during her testimony. Read full transcripts from the trial.
Gag order: New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan has twice ruled that Trump violated his gag order, which prohibits him from commenting on jurors and witnesses in the case, among others. Here are all of the times Trump has violated the gag order.
The case: The investigation involves a $130,000 payment made to Daniels, an adult-film actress, during the 2016 presidential campaign. It’s one of many ongoing investigations involving Trump. Here are some of the key people in the case.
The charges: Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Falsifying business records is a felony in New York when there is an “intent to defraud” that includes an intent to “commit another crime or to aid or conceal” another crime. He has pleaded not guilty. Here’s what to know about the charges — and any potential sentence.