The judge overseeing the historic criminal trial&nbsp;of former United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 7) rejected&nbsp;a mistrial request by Trump's lawyer who argued that adult film actor&nbsp;Stormy Daniels' testimony&nbsp;about the 2006 encounter was irrelevant and would&nbsp;inflame the jury.

Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche asked for a mistrial hours after&nbsp;riveting testimony by Daniels, who told the jury about the alleged sexual encounter with Trump and a $130,000 hush money payment.&nbsp;

The former president is on trial based on the charges stemming from hush money allegedly paid to Daniels, 45, ahead of the 2016 presidential election.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Trump Hush Money Trial: Key witness Stormy Daniels takes the stand

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The prosecutors have alleged that Trump falsified business records to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to Daniels in the run-up to the election.&nbsp;

Trump, 77, earlier in the day, said he was “recently told” who the witness would be on Tuesday and complained he should have been given more notice, reported the AP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The former president returned to the Manhattan courthouse a day after Judge Juan Merchan said some of Trump’s posts violated a gag order which restricts him from speaking about the witnesses, jurors, and others involved in the case.

Judge Merchan said that the adult film actor would be allowed to testify about the basic details of the encounter and prosecutor Susan Hoffinger assured him that the description of the alleged sexual act would be "really basic" and not going to "involve descriptions of genitalia or anything of that nature".

The adult film actor, in line with standard court proceedings, was asked if she saw Trump in the courtroom and to identify him. Subsequently, she pointed at the former US president sitting at the defence table during her testimony.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-trial-day-11-hope-hicks-testimony-and-other-key-takeaways-717861">Trump Hush Money Trial Day 11: Hope Hicks' testimony and other key takeaways</a>

During her testimony, the 45-year-old also said that Trump dared her to spank him, and she obliged.

"That's bullshit," Trump appeared to say in court, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Day 13 of the hush money trial&nbsp;</h2>

1. Blanche&nbsp;asked for a mistrial after Daniel's testimony about the alleged sexual encounter&nbsp;saying that she violated the rules&nbsp;established for her taking the witness stand. However, the judge rejected his&nbsp;request and said while he agreed with&nbsp;Blanche, he blamed the defence for&nbsp;not raising an objection&nbsp;when she was testifying.&nbsp;

2.&nbsp;Before they had sex, Daniels said, Trump&nbsp;blocked the door, but said she didn't feel physically or verbally threatened. She said there was&nbsp;what she perceived to be an imbalance of power. He even told her&nbsp;"this is the only way you're getting out of the trailer park".&nbsp;

3.&nbsp;Daniels testified that she briefly asked about Trump’s wife, Melania, in the hotel room and called her beautiful. To which Trump responded that they did not sleep in the same room, she said.

4.&nbsp;The adult film actor&nbsp;testified that the former US president was wearing satin pyjamas when he welcomed her to his hotel suite.

5.&nbsp;Daniels said&nbsp;that she started appearing in adult films at age 23 and soon was writing and directing them.&nbsp;

Also Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-hush-money-trial-judge-warns-trump-of-potential-jail-time-for-violating-gag-order-719059">Judge warns Trump of potential jail time for violating gag order</a>

6.&nbsp;Speaking about how she met Trump, Daniels said she met him during a brief introduction at a meet and greet with adult actors and golfers. "He said, 'Oh, you direct too - you must be the smart one,'" she testified.

7.&nbsp;Daniels began her testimony by talking about her upbringing in the US state of Louisiana and how she did ballet growing up and then started exotic dancing in high school.

8.&nbsp;Trump and Daniels ignored each other as she took the stand and is sworn in. The adult film star, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, took the stand wearing all black, with black-framed glasses.

9.&nbsp; The prosecution argued the testimony was needed to complete the story and establish Daniels’ credibility. “The people call Stormy Daniels,” said prosecutor Hoffinger.&nbsp;

10.&nbsp;Sally Franklin, an executive at Penguin Random House and the first witness of the day, took the stand earlier. Prosecutor Becky Mangold had her read excerpts from the 2004 volume “Trump: How to Get Rich” and his 2005 book “Trump: Think Like a Billionaire”.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The judge overseeing the historic criminal trial of former United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 7) rejected a mistrial request by Trump's lawyer who argued that adult film actor Stormy Daniels' testimony about the 2006 encounter was irrelevant and would inflame the jury.

The judge overseeing the historic criminal trial of former United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 7) rejected a mistrial request by Trump's lawyer who argued that adult film actor Stormy Daniels' testimony about the 2006 encounter was irrelevant and would inflame the jury. Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche asked for a mistrial hours after riveting testimony by Daniels, who told the jury about the alleged sexual encounter with Trump and a $130,000 hush money payment. The former president is on trial based on the charges stemming from hush money allegedly paid to Daniels, 45, ahead of the 2016 presidential election. WATCH | Trump Hush Money Trial: Key witness Stormy Daniels takes the stand The prosecutors have alleged that Trump falsified business records to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment his former lawyer Michael Cohen made to Daniels in the run-up to the election. Trump, 77, earlier in the day, said he was “recently told” who the witness would be on Tuesday and complained he should have been given more notice, reported the AP. The former president returned to the Manhattan courthouse a day after Judge Juan Merchan said some of Trump’s posts violated a gag order which restricts him from speaking about the witnesses, jurors, and others involved in the case. Judge Merchan said that the adult film actor would be allowed to testify about the basic details of the encounter and prosecutor Susan Hoffinger assured him that the description of the alleged sexual act would be "really basic" and not going to "involve descriptions of genitalia or anything of that nature". The adult film actor, in line with standard court proceedings, was asked if she saw Trump in the courtroom and to identify him. Subsequently, she pointed at the former US president sitting at the defence table during her testimony. Also Read | Trump Hush Money Trial Day 11: Hope Hicks' testimony and other key takeaways During her testimony, the 45-year-old also said that Trump dared her to spank him, and she obliged. "That's bullshit," Trump appeared to say in court, according to Reuters. Day 13 of the hush money trial 1. Blanche asked for a mistrial after Daniel's testimony about the alleged sexual encounter saying that she violated the rules established for her taking the witness stand. However, the judge rejected his request and said while he agreed with Blanche, he blamed the defence for not raising an objection when she was testifying. 2. Before they had sex, Daniels said, Trump blocked the door, but said she didn't feel physically or verbally threatened. She said there was what she perceived to be an imbalance of power. He even told her "this is the only way you're getting out of the trailer park". 3. Daniels testified that she briefly asked about Trump’s wife, Melania, in the hotel room and called her beautiful. To which Trump responded that they did not sleep in the same room, she said. 4. The adult film actor testified that the former US president was wearing satin pyjamas when he welcomed her to his hotel suite. 5. Daniels said that she started appearing in adult films at age 23 and soon was writing and directing them. Also Watch | Judge warns Trump of potential jail time for violating gag order 6. Speaking about how she met Trump, Daniels said she met him during a brief introduction at a meet and greet with adult actors and golfers. "He said, 'Oh, you direct too - you must be the smart one,'" she testified. 7. Daniels began her testimony by talking about her upbringing in the US state of Louisiana and how she did ballet growing up and then started exotic dancing in high school. 8. Trump and Daniels ignored each other as she took the stand and is sworn in. The adult film star, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, took the stand wearing all black, with black-framed glasses. 9. The prosecution argued the testimony was needed to complete the story and establish Daniels’ credibility. “The people call Stormy Daniels,” said prosecutor Hoffinger. 10. Sally Franklin, an executive at Penguin Random House and the first witness of the day, took the stand earlier. Prosecutor Becky Mangold had her read excerpts from the 2004 volume “Trump: How to Get Rich” and his 2005 book “Trump: Think Like a Billionaire”. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump hush money trial: Judge rejects mistrial request from defence lawyer over Stormy Daniels testimony

A visibly upset Donald Trump was observed shaking his head and "cursing audibly" as porn star Stormy Daniels took the stand and gave testimony on Tuesday (May 7). Trump's audible dissent failed to escape the notice of the presiding judge, who as per reports has issued a warning, ordering the ex-president's lawyers to temper their client's behaviour.

<h2>Contempt of Court warning</h2>

As per an AFP report, during a sidebar conversation — where lawyers huddle with the judge in conversations that are not meant to be audible to the jury or wider courtroom — Judge Juan Merchan warned Trump's attorney Todd Blanche.

"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," said Merchan as per excerpts of the official trial transcript posted online Tuesday evening.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pornstar-republican-and-donald-trumps-sneaky-link-who-is-stormy-daniels-719227">Porn star, Republican and Donald Trump's sneaky link: Who is Stormy Daniels?</a>

Merchan said Trump's noise and gestures have "the potential to intimidate the witness (Daniels) and the jury can see that."

"I won't tolerate that," he added later.

The judge said he had in particular seen Trump shake his head during the part of testimony where Daniels revealed explicit details about swatting the Republican with a magazine during her sexual encounter with him.

"I will talk to him," Blanche responded, as per the report.

Judge Merchan told Blanche that he had raised the issue during the sidebar to avoid embarrassing Trump.

"I don't want to embarrass him," he said.

<h2>Stormy's testimony</h2>

On Tuesday, Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford&nbsp;testified details about her alleged sexual tryst with Trump from 2006.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-classified-documents-case-delayed-indefinitely-experts-warn-of-unprecedented-situation-719143">Donald Trump classified documents case delayed indefinitely, experts warn of 'unprecedented' situation</a>

The duo reportedly crossed paths in the summer of 2006, during a charity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe. She was 27, while Trump was 60 when they allegedly engaged in what she said "may have been the least impressive sex I'd ever had."

She confirmed the $130,000 hush money payment and said she had pushed for payment before 2016 elections because she feared Trump won't pay her afterwards.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels and also denies having sex with her.

(With inputs from agencies)

A visibly upset Donald Trump was observed shaking his head and "cursing audibly" as porn star Stormy Daniels took the stand and gave testimony on Tuesday (May 7).

A visibly upset Donald Trump was observed shaking his head and "cursing audibly" as porn star Stormy Daniels took the stand and gave testimony on Tuesday (May 7). Trump's audible dissent failed to escape the notice of the presiding judge, who as per reports has issued a warning, ordering the ex-president's lawyers to temper their client's behaviour. Contempt of Court warning As per an AFP report, during a sidebar conversation — where lawyers huddle with the judge in conversations that are not meant to be audible to the jury or wider courtroom — Judge Juan Merchan warned Trump's attorney Todd Blanche. "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," said Merchan as per excerpts of the official trial transcript posted online Tuesday evening. Also read | Porn star, Republican and Donald Trump's sneaky link: Who is Stormy Daniels? Merchan said Trump's noise and gestures have "the potential to intimidate the witness (Daniels) and the jury can see that." "I won't tolerate that," he added later. The judge said he had in particular seen Trump shake his head during the part of testimony where Daniels revealed explicit details about swatting the Republican with a magazine during her sexual encounter with him. "I will talk to him," Blanche responded, as per the report. Judge Merchan told Blanche that he had raised the issue during the sidebar to avoid embarrassing Trump. "I don't want to embarrass him," he said. Stormy's testimony On Tuesday, Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford testified details about her alleged sexual tryst with Trump from 2006. Also read | Donald Trump classified documents case delayed indefinitely, experts warn of 'unprecedented' situation The duo reportedly crossed paths in the summer of 2006, during a charity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe. She was 27, while Trump was 60 when they allegedly engaged in what she said "may have been the least impressive sex I'd ever had." She confirmed the $130,000 hush money payment and said she had pushed for payment before 2016 elections because she feared Trump won't pay her afterwards. Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges of falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels and also denies having sex with her. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump hush money trial: Judge warns Trump’s lawyers over his ‘audible’ cursing during Stormy Daniels testimony

Stormy Daniels testified at Donald Trump’s criminal trial on Tuesday, setting up a long-awaited showdown between the former US president and the porn star. Watch in for more details!

Trump Hush Money Trial: Stormy Daniels claims 'she was physically threatened to stay quiet'

Trump Hush Money Trial: Key witness Stormy Daniels takes the stand

The judge in Donald Trump's criminal trial fined him $1,000 and held him in contempt of court for a 10th time on Monday for violating a gag order and warned that further violations could land the former president in jail. Watch in for more details!

Trump Hush Money Trial: Judge warns Trump of potential jail time for violating gag order

Porn star Stormy Daniels is expected to appear as a witness Tuesday in former US President Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Trump is facing a hush money trial with potential jail time for violating gag orders. Watch in for more details!

Trump Hush Money Trial: Stormy Daniels 'likely' to appear in court

The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial has fined him $1,000 for violating his gag order and sternly warned the former president that additional violation could result in jail time. Watch in for more details!

Donald Trump Gag Order: Judge warns of jail time for further violations

Donald Trump, after a day slamming his democrat rival Joe Biden in campaign rallies, returned to court on Thursday (May 2) for his hush-money trial.

Day 10 of the trial saw Trump and his team allege that the hush money was nothing short of "extortion".

Here are the key takeaways from Day 10 of Donald Trump's hush money trial.

<h2>Extortion, he said: Dragging Keith Davidson through the mud</h2>

Trump's lawyers, as per CNN, alleged that porn Star Stormy Daniels' former lawyer Davidson has a long history of extracting money from celebrities while going "up to the line without committing extortion."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-biden-says-every-single-thing-he-touches-turns-to-sh-pledges-world-peace-717177">Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace</a>

In an apparent attempt to undermine his credibility as a witness, Trump's attorney Emil Bove alleged Davidson had made alleged efforts to seek cash from Hulk Hogan in exchange for a sex tape involving the former pro wrestler. Names like Lindsay Lohan, Charlie Sheen and Tila Tequila were also mentioned.

"You were pretty well-versed in getting right up to the line without committing extortion, right?" Bove asked. However, the allegations were denied by Davidson.

<h2>More fines? Another gag order trial</h2>

Prosecutors are alleging that Trump, even after the $9000 fine he faced for violating a gag order, has once&nbsp;again flouted the order.

The gag order, as per Reuters, prohibits him from making public comments about jurors, witnesses, and families of the judge and prosecutors if those statements are meant to interfere with the case.

Prosecutors slammed Trump for violating the order four more&nbsp;times and are seeking another $4000 fine. They cited four instances, including one where Trump during an interview alleged that the jury was on purpose picked from a heavily Democratic area.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rigging-allegations-trump-refuses-to-dismiss-possibility-of-violence-if-he-loses-in-2024-elections-716844">Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections</a>

However, Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche told the judge "I’m making an argument that he didn’t," violate the gag order.

To which, presiding Judge Juan Merchan responded, "Well, I'm not agreeing with that argument".

<h2>Secret phone calls</h2>

The jury was made privy to a series of calls between Michael Cohen and Davidson. The calls were secretly recorded in 2018.

In one, Cohen, Trump's former fixer, could be heard telling Davidson about the Daniels deal, "I can't even tell you how many times he said to me, 'You know, I hate the fact that we did it.' And my comment to him was 'but every person that you've spoken to told you it was the right move'."

In another recording, Davidson can be heard telling Cohen that porn star Stormy Daniels wanted the $13,000 payment "more than you could ever imagine," because she feared Trump would lose the 2016 elections and her story would be "worth zero."

<h2>Hush money or non-disclosure agreement&nbsp;</h2>

Davidson also confirmed that Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, signed a non-disclosure agreement with Trump to keep quiet about a 2006 sexual encounter.

However, he said he would not describe the payment as hush money and stated that "It was consideration in a civil settlement agreement."

<h2>'What have we done?': Recounting election day, 2016</h2>

Jurors also saw screenshots of texts between Davidson and Dylan Howard, the editor of the National Enquirer. In one instance, a text from Davidson said, "What have we done?" while Howard replied with "Oh my God."

"This was sort of gallows humour. There was an understanding that our activities in some way may have assisted the presidential campaign of Donald Trump," Davidson testified.

Additionally, he made a point to mention that Trump's former fixer Cohen, who was experiencing feelings of "despondency" and "depression" after the election, would frequently reach out to him through phone calls.

He claimed that Cohen told him that Trump never paid him and that he was never going to get reimbursed for his $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels.

"He said something to the effect of, 'Jesus Christ, can you f**king believe I'm not going to Washington, after everything I've done for that f**king guy? I can't believe I'm not going to Washington. I've saved that guy's ass so many times, you don't even know'."

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump, after a day slamming his democrat rival Joe Biden in campaign rallies, returned to court on Thursday (May 2) for his hush-money trial. Day 10 of the trial saw Trump and his team allege that the hush money was nothing short of "extortion".

Donald Trump, after a day slamming his democrat rival Joe Biden in campaign rallies, returned to court on Thursday (May 2) for his hush-money trial. Day 10 of the trial saw Trump and his team allege that the hush money was nothing short of "extortion". Here are the key takeaways from Day 10 of Donald Trump's hush money trial. Extortion, he said: Dragging Keith Davidson through the mud Trump's lawyers, as per CNN, alleged that porn Star Stormy Daniels' former lawyer Davidson has a long history of extracting money from celebrities while going "up to the line without committing extortion." Also read | Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace In an apparent attempt to undermine his credibility as a witness, Trump's attorney Emil Bove alleged Davidson had made alleged efforts to seek cash from Hulk Hogan in exchange for a sex tape involving the former pro wrestler. Names like Lindsay Lohan, Charlie Sheen and Tila Tequila were also mentioned. "You were pretty well-versed in getting right up to the line without committing extortion, right?" Bove asked. However, the allegations were denied by Davidson. More fines? Another gag order trial Prosecutors are alleging that Trump, even after the $9000 fine he faced for violating a gag order, has once again flouted the order. The gag order, as per Reuters, prohibits him from making public comments about jurors, witnesses, and families of the judge and prosecutors if those statements are meant to interfere with the case. Prosecutors slammed Trump for violating the order four more times and are seeking another $4000 fine. They cited four instances, including one where Trump during an interview alleged that the jury was on purpose picked from a heavily Democratic area. Also read | Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections However, Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche told the judge "I’m making an argument that he didn’t," violate the gag order. To which, presiding Judge Juan Merchan responded, "Well, I'm not agreeing with that argument". Secret phone calls The jury was made privy to a series of calls between Michael Cohen and Davidson. The calls were secretly recorded in 2018. In one, Cohen, Trump's former fixer, could be heard telling Davidson about the Daniels deal, "I can't even tell you how many times he said to me, 'You know, I hate the fact that we did it.' And my comment to him was 'but every person that you've spoken to told you it was the right move'." In another recording, Davidson can be heard telling Cohen that porn star Stormy Daniels wanted the $13,000 payment "more than you could ever imagine," because she feared Trump would lose the 2016 elections and her story would be "worth zero." Hush money or non-disclosure agreement Davidson also confirmed that Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, signed a non-disclosure agreement with Trump to keep quiet about a 2006 sexual encounter. However, he said he would not describe the payment as hush money and stated that "It was consideration in a civil settlement agreement." 'What have we done?': Recounting election day, 2016 Jurors also saw screenshots of texts between Davidson and Dylan Howard, the editor of the National Enquirer. In one instance, a text from Davidson said, "What have we done?" while Howard replied with "Oh my God." "This was sort of gallows humour. There was an understanding that our activities in some way may have assisted the presidential campaign of Donald Trump," Davidson testified. Additionally, he made a point to mention that Trump's former fixer Cohen, who was experiencing feelings of "despondency" and "depression" after the election, would frequently reach out to him through phone calls. He claimed that Cohen told him that Trump never paid him and that he was never going to get reimbursed for his $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels. "He said something to the effect of, 'Jesus Christ, can you f**king believe I'm not going to Washington, after everything I've done for that f**king guy? I can't believe I'm not going to Washington. I've saved that guy's ass so many times, you don't even know'." (With inputs from agencies)

'Extortion' allegations and more: Here's what happened on Day 10 of Trump hush money trial

Former US President Donald Trump was fined $9,000 for violating gag order that prohibited him from making statements connected to the trial. Watch in for more details!

Hush Money Trial: Judge fines Donald Trump for violating gag order

In one of the most high-profile cases in history of the United States the ongoing criminal trial against former president Donald Trump wrapped up for the week. Watch in for more details!

Donald Trump Hush Money Trial: Trump's criminal trial adjourns until Tuesday

Judge heard arguments on whether Donald Trump violated a gag order with social media posts about two expected witnesses in the hush money trial. Watch in for more details!

Trump Hush Money Trial: David Pecker kept doorman under contract until after election

The first day of Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial concluded Monday with opening statements from both sides and testimony from its first witness. Watch in for more details!

US: Prosecutors, defense deliver opening statements in Donald Trump's hush-money trial

Donald Trump Hush Money Case Trial: Judge warns Trump lawyer during gag order hearing

Former US president Donald Trump’s trial over alleged hush money payments resumed Tuesday (Apr 23) where prosecutors accused him of violating a gag order in several of his posts made on Truth Social media platform. Prosecutors urged&nbsp;judge&nbsp;Juan Merchan to fine Trump $10,000 for violating the order which prohibits him from criticising witnesses and others involved in the case. "Defendant has violated this order repeatedly and hasn't stopped," New York prosecutor Christopher Conroy said in the New York courtroom.

Conroy also added that Trump’s attacks on social media forced a juror last week to withdraw over privacy concerns.

"He knows what he's not allowed to do and he does it anyway," Conroy said, adding, "His disobedience of the order is willful. It's intentional."

The hush money trial is over the alleged $130,000 payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels by Trump ahead of the 2016 presidential elections.

<h2>Defence statement</h2>

Trump’s defence attorney, however, claimed there has been "no willful violation" of the gag order. Todd Blanche, Trump's defence attorney, said, "President Trump does in fact know what the gag order allows him to do and not allow him to do."

<h2>Courtroom drama</h2>

During the trial, Judge Juan Merchan got heated up and asked to clarify why exactly Trump made those controversial posts.

In response, Blanche said Cohen, Trump’s former personal attorney, and Daniels had repeatedly criticised Trump politically in the lead-up to the trial.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juror-excused-from-trump-hush-money-trial-due-to-fear-of-influence-what-you-need-to-know-712675">Former President Trump speaks to the media outside of court during his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court</a>

"Give me one, give me the most recent one that he is responding to," asked Merchan.

"I don't have a particular tweet that is dispositive," Blanche said, asking why the example had to be "recent."

Watch:&nbsp;Trump's hush money trial: Donald Trump accused of 'pure' election fraud

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Merchan lost calm here and yelled, “I'm asking the questions, OK? I'm going to decide whether your client is in contempt or not, so please don't turn it around."

Todd Blanche added seven of the 10 alleged violations should not be taken into account as they’re just re-posts.

“It’s not making a mockery of the gag order, your honour – it’s a close call,” Blanche said, adding, "It’s just common sense."

Merchan also got frustrated with the slow pace of the hearing.

"I’m not getting an answer, it’s now almost 10:30, the jurors are going to be here at 11 o’clock. I don’t want to keep them waiting," he said.

"Mr Blanche you’re losing all credibility, I have to tell you right now … You’re losing all credibility with the court. Is there any other argument you want to make?"

Meanwhile, during a brief court break, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to go after the judge.

He wrote: "HIGHLY CONFLICTED, TO PUT IT MILDLY, JUDGE JUAN MERCHAN, HAS TAKEN AWAY MY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH. EVERYBODY IS ALLOWED TO TALK AND LIE ABOUT ME, BUT I AM NOT ALLOWED TO DEFEND MYSELF. THIS IS A KANGAROO COURT, AND THE JUDGE SHOULD RECUSE HIMSELF!"

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US president Donald Trump’s trial over alleged hush money payments resumed Tuesday (Apr 23) where prosecutors accused him of violating a gag order in several of his posts made on Truth Social media platform.

Former US president Donald Trump’s trial over alleged hush money payments resumed Tuesday (Apr 23) where prosecutors accused him of violating a gag order in several of his posts made on Truth Social media platform. Prosecutors urged judge Juan Merchan to fine Trump $10,000 for violating the order which prohibits him from criticising witnesses and others involved in the case. "Defendant has violated this order repeatedly and hasn't stopped," New York prosecutor Christopher Conroy said in the New York courtroom. Conroy also added that Trump’s attacks on social media forced a juror last week to withdraw over privacy concerns. "He knows what he's not allowed to do and he does it anyway," Conroy said, adding, "His disobedience of the order is willful. It's intentional." The hush money trial is over the alleged $130,000 payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels by Trump ahead of the 2016 presidential elections. Defence statement Trump’s defence attorney, however, claimed there has been "no willful violation" of the gag order. Todd Blanche, Trump's defence attorney, said, "President Trump does in fact know what the gag order allows him to do and not allow him to do." Courtroom drama During the trial, Judge Juan Merchan got heated up and asked to clarify why exactly Trump made those controversial posts. In response, Blanche said Cohen, Trump’s former personal attorney, and Daniels had repeatedly criticised Trump politically in the lead-up to the trial. Also read: Former President Trump speaks to the media outside of court during his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court "Give me one, give me the most recent one that he is responding to," asked Merchan. "I don't have a particular tweet that is dispositive," Blanche said, asking why the example had to be "recent." Watch: Trump's hush money trial: Donald Trump accused of 'pure' election fraud × Merchan lost calm here and yelled, “I'm asking the questions, OK? I'm going to decide whether your client is in contempt or not, so please don't turn it around." Todd Blanche added seven of the 10 alleged violations should not be taken into account as they’re just re-posts. “It’s not making a mockery of the gag order, your honour – it’s a close call,” Blanche said, adding, "It’s just common sense." Merchan also got frustrated with the slow pace of the hearing. "I’m not getting an answer, it’s now almost 10:30, the jurors are going to be here at 11 o’clock. I don’t want to keep them waiting," he said. "Mr Blanche you’re losing all credibility, I have to tell you right now … You’re losing all credibility with the court. Is there any other argument you want to make?" Meanwhile, during a brief court break, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to go after the judge. He wrote: "HIGHLY CONFLICTED, TO PUT IT MILDLY, JUDGE JUAN MERCHAN, HAS TAKEN AWAY MY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH. EVERYBODY IS ALLOWED TO TALK AND LIE ABOUT ME, BUT I AM NOT ALLOWED TO DEFEND MYSELF. THIS IS A KANGAROO COURT, AND THE JUDGE SHOULD RECUSE HIMSELF!" (With inputs from agencies)

Hush money trial: Courtroom drama unfolds as judge loses calm on Trump’s attorney

Donald Trump Hush Money trial: Trump's legal woes overlap poll campaign

Opening statements are set to begin Monday in former President Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York. Prosecutors will begin laying out their case for jurors, alleging Trump falsified business records to cover up a "hush money" payment during his 2016 campaign. Watch in for more details!

US: Opening statements set to begin in Donald Trump's hush money case trial

The final jurors were seated Friday in Donald Trump’s hush money trial, and an appellate judge rejected the former president’s latest bid to halt the case as a hectic day in court set the stage for opening statements to begin Monday.

Final Jury seated for Donald Trump's hush money case trial