A New York jury on Thursday (May 30) found former United States President Donald Trump guilty on all charges in his hush money case, months before an election that could see him yet return to the White House. Trump became the first former US president ever convicted of a crime. The New York jury found Trump guilty on each of the 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide a payment meant to silence adult actor Stormy Daniels.

Trump Hush money trial: Reactions to Trump being found guilty in historic New York trial

A New York jury on Thursday (May 30) found former United States President Donald Trump guilty on all charges in his hush money case, months before an election that could see him yet return to the White House.

Trump Hush Money case: Former US President found guilty, says 'verdict rigged'

Trump's Hush Money Case: Trump's campaign donation page crashes after guilty verdict

Donald Trump's conviction has raised doubts among the voters whether the hush money case verdict will have any impact on his candidacy in the November elections. Watch in for more details!

Trump's Hush Money Case: Poll shows Trump's conviction won't sway most voters

US President Donald Trump's Hush Money trial is nearing its end, both the sides made their closing arguments. A New York prosecutor told jurors that Trump engaged in a conspiracy to corrupt the 2016 elections and also attempted to cover it up. Watch in for more details!

Trump hush money trial: Prosecution, defence deliver closing argument, jury to begin deliberations

Former US President Donald Trump's lawyers on Monday pressed the judge overseeing his Hush Money Trial to stop the case from going to the jury and throw out the charges after prosecutors concluded their presentation of evidence. Watch in for more details!

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Trump's Hush Money trial nears end, Donald Trump can be sentenced up to 20 years in prison

Donald&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;lawyers on Thursday (May 16) played a recording in the courtroom showing his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen&nbsp;saying&nbsp;“I truly f***ing hope that Donald Trump ends up in prison"&nbsp;in the ongoing hush money trial.

“Revenge is a dish best served cold and you better believe I want this man to go down and rot inside for what he did to me and my family,”&nbsp;Cohen says in the recording from a podcast he appeared on.&nbsp;

Cohen was one of&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;closest allies until 2016 but later turned on his former boss, allegedly after the former president&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;offer him any seat in his administration.

Trump's&nbsp;lawyer&nbsp;Todd&nbsp;Blanche&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;asked Cohen&nbsp;to&nbsp;talk about his&nbsp;"desire to work at the White House.”

Cohen said he would&nbsp;have “liked to have been considered for ego purpose”&nbsp;as the White House chief of staff.

Trump's&nbsp;defence appeared to be trying to paint him as unreliable on the last day of the&nbsp;week's&nbsp;trial.

Blanche suggested he lied under oath as he accepted a guilty plea for campaign finance violations and tax evasion in 2018.

Cohen eventually admitted he was told by the authorities his wife would&nbsp;be indicted&nbsp;if he didn't accept the plea deal within 48 hours.

“I&nbsp;elected to protect my family,”&nbsp;he concluded.

“You felt that you were induced or put under pressure because you were given two days, correct?”&nbsp;Todd Blanche asked.

“Correct,”&nbsp;Cohen answered.

Watch:&nbsp;US elections 2024: Joe Biden ready to debate Donald Trump

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After pointing questions on&nbsp;Cohen's&nbsp;character and credibility, Blanche then accused Cohen of lying on the stand.

He claimed he gave false testimony earlier this week regarding the claim that he talked to Trump on the phone on Oct. 24, 2016, and updated him on his efforts to secure the rights to porn star&nbsp;Daniels'&nbsp;story.&nbsp;

Blanche showed Cohen two series&nbsp;of text messages from that evening. The first showed an exchange between him and a person who had been prank-calling him. Cohen threatened to turn him, who turned out to be a 14-year-old, into the Secret Service.

"I&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;do it,&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;14, please&nbsp;don't&nbsp;do this,"&nbsp;the person said, according to&nbsp;today's&nbsp;testimony.

Then, Blanche showed&nbsp;Cohen's&nbsp;text messages with&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;bodyguard&nbsp;Keith&nbsp;Schiller&nbsp;related&nbsp;to&nbsp;the exchange he just had&nbsp;with the teen.

Blanche alleged that Cohen was talking to&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;bodyguard that day and he was lying when he said he spoke to Trump about the Daniels deal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwij0PLr4JKGAxVa8zgGHcn2Dw4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clutch-day-for-trump-lawyers-seeking-to-discredit-cohen-at-hush-money-trial-722012" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/clutch-day-for-trump-lawyers-seeking-to-discredit-cohen-at-hush-money-trial-722012&amp;ved=2ahUKEwij0PLr4JKGAxVa8zgGHcn2Dw4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Crunch day for Trump lawyers seeking to discredit Cohen at hush money trial</a>

"That was a lie, because you were actually talking to Keith Schiller about the fact that you were receiving harassing phone calls from a 14-year-old, correct?",&nbsp;Blanche said.

"Now your memory is that you, testifying truthfully, that you had enough time in a 1 minute, 36 second phone call to tell Mr. Schiller about being harassed by a 14-year-old,"&nbsp;and to update Trump, Blanche asked.

Cohen said he did.

"I&nbsp;always ran everything by the boss immediately, and in this case it was saying,&nbsp;'Everything's&nbsp;been taken care of,&nbsp;it's&nbsp;been resolved,'"&nbsp;Cohen said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump's lawyers on Thursday (May 16) played a recording in the courtroom showing his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen saying “I truly f***ing hope that Donald Trump ends up in prison" in the ongoing hush money trial.

Donald Trump's lawyers on Thursday (May 16) played a recording in the courtroom showing his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen saying “I truly f***ing hope that Donald Trump ends up in prison" in the ongoing hush money trial. “Revenge is a dish best served cold and you better believe I want this man to go down and rot inside for what he did to me and my family,” Cohen says in the recording from a podcast he appeared on. Cohen was one of Trump's closest allies until 2016 but later turned on his former boss, allegedly after the former president didn't offer him any seat in his administration. Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche on Thursday asked Cohen to talk about his "desire to work at the White House.” Cohen said he would have “liked to have been considered for ego purpose” as the White House chief of staff. Trump's defence appeared to be trying to paint him as unreliable on the last day of the week's trial. Blanche suggested he lied under oath as he accepted a guilty plea for campaign finance violations and tax evasion in 2018. Cohen eventually admitted he was told by the authorities his wife would be indicted if he didn't accept the plea deal within 48 hours. “I elected to protect my family,” he concluded. “You felt that you were induced or put under pressure because you were given two days, correct?” Todd Blanche asked. “Correct,” Cohen answered. Watch: US elections 2024: Joe Biden ready to debate Donald Trump × After pointing questions on Cohen's character and credibility, Blanche then accused Cohen of lying on the stand. He claimed he gave false testimony earlier this week regarding the claim that he talked to Trump on the phone on Oct. 24, 2016, and updated him on his efforts to secure the rights to porn star Daniels' story. Blanche showed Cohen two series of text messages from that evening. The first showed an exchange between him and a person who had been prank-calling him. Cohen threatened to turn him, who turned out to be a 14-year-old, into the Secret Service. "I didn't do it, I'm 14, please don't do this," the person said, according to today's testimony. Then, Blanche showed Cohen's text messages with Trump's bodyguard Keith Schiller related to the exchange he just had with the teen. Blanche alleged that Cohen was talking to Trump's bodyguard that day and he was lying when he said he spoke to Trump about the Daniels deal. Also read: Crunch day for Trump lawyers seeking to discredit Cohen at hush money trial "That was a lie, because you were actually talking to Keith Schiller about the fact that you were receiving harassing phone calls from a 14-year-old, correct?", Blanche said. "Now your memory is that you, testifying truthfully, that you had enough time in a 1 minute, 36 second phone call to tell Mr. Schiller about being harassed by a 14-year-old," and to update Trump, Blanche asked. Cohen said he did. "I always ran everything by the boss immediately, and in this case it was saying, 'Everything's been taken care of, it's been resolved,'" Cohen said. (With inputs from agencies)

'I f***ing hope Trump ends up in prison:' Trump's defence plays Cohen's recording, questions his credibility

Michael Cohen, the onetime fixer for Donald Trump who is now the star witness at his hush money criminal trial Cohen has now testified in court. As the trial is underway, Michael Cohen answered prosecutors questions for about 9 hours on the witness stand on Monday and Tuesday. Watch in for more details!

Donald Trump's Hush Money trial resumes, Michael Cohen takes stand for third day

It's crunch time for Donald Trump's defense team as they take another stab Thursday at Michael Cohen, the key witness in the criminal trial in which the former president is accused of fraudulently covering up his affair with a porn star to influence his first presidential bid.

It will be a vital day for Trump's lawyers who are vying to prevent jurors from believing Cohen's account that he broke the law at the real estate mogul-turned-president's behest.

From the start, the defense team, which unlike the prosecution does not have the burden of proof in the case, has sought to cast Cohen as a disgruntled ex-employee out for blood -- and Thursday is their big chance to nail it down.

Meanwhile Trump, the first former US president to be tried criminally, has complained that his current effort for another White House term is stymied by the court proceedings.

He's taken to bringing an entourage of Republican lawmakers and higher-ups to trial, aiming to bring the campaign to the courtroom and increasingly brand the case as politicized.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records with the intent to further other crimes in the run-up to 2016's presidential election.

Todd Blanche began questioning Trump's fixer-turned-foe on Tuesday afternoon under the watch of his high-profile client.

After an aggressive start, his line of questioning dulled and meandered as the afternoon wore on, with yawns betraying some jurors' fatigue.

The defense attorney was largely deferential when the witness -- himself a former lawyer who is not unfamiliar with courtroom strategy or proceedings -- sought to evade direct answers.

Cohen has a reputation for a temper that could hurt him on the stand -- his testimony during Trump's civil fraud case last year proved chaotic -- but on Tuesday he was mostly measured in responding to Blanche's questions, which at times veered convoluted.

After a day off the defense will resume Thursday morning, and it's possible they're saving their heat for when the jury has had some rest.

Prosecutors have indicated that Cohen, 57, is their last witness in the case.

His story has generally lined up with those of two other key witnesses: Stormy Daniels, the adult film star who says she received the hush money, and David Pecker, the one-time tabloid boss who said he worked with Trump and Cohen to suppress negative coverage of the White House hopeful during his first campaign.

<h2>Will Trump testify?&nbsp;</h2>

Trump is accused of falsifying business records to reimburse Cohen for a $130,000 payment to Daniels before the 2016 election, when her account of a sexual encounter with the then-Republican nominee could have doomed his campaign.

He denies that the one-night stand with Daniels occurred.

After the prosecution rests, the defense has the opportunity to present a case, though they're not required to and have not specified whether they will.

Most importantly, Trump's lawyers have remained vague on whether their client will testify.

The businessman famously considers himself his own best champion -- but analysts widely believe that he could be a major liability on the stand.

When the jury is given the case for deliberation, the weeks of oft-salacious testimony will likely linger front-of-mind, but they'll also have stacks of documents to pore over.

The interpersonal relationships of the characters in the case make it juicy, but at the end of the day the charges hinge on financial records, and whether falsifying them was done with the intent to sway the 2016 presidential vote.

Prosecutors this week painstakingly detailed the alleged crimes, walking Cohen and the jury through the issue of 11 checks -- most signed by Trump -- in return for invoices Cohen said were falsified to cover up the hush money reimbursement.

Cohen said he had made the payments "to ensure that the story would not come out, would not affect Mr Trump's chances of becoming president of the United States" and did so "on behalf of Mr Trump."

Cohen spent 13 months in jail and another year-and-a-half under house arrest after pleading guilty in 2018 to lying to Congress and committing financial crimes.

Under direct questioning he said Trump had reassured him after FBI agents, seeking evidence in the case, raided his hotel room and office in April 2018.

"Don't worry, everything's going to be fine, I'm the president of the United States," Cohen recalled Trump saying.

"I felt reassured because I had the president of the United States protecting me," Cohen testified.

It's crunch time for Donald Trump's defense team as they take another stab Thursday at Michael Cohen, the key witness in the criminal trial in which the former president is accused of fraudulently covering up his affair with a porn star to influence his first presidential bid.

It's crunch time for Donald Trump's defense team as they take another stab Thursday at Michael Cohen, the key witness in the criminal trial in which the former president is accused of fraudulently covering up his affair with a porn star to influence his first presidential bid. It will be a vital day for Trump's lawyers who are vying to prevent jurors from believing Cohen's account that he broke the law at the real estate mogul-turned-president's behest. From the start, the defense team, which unlike the prosecution does not have the burden of proof in the case, has sought to cast Cohen as a disgruntled ex-employee out for blood -- and Thursday is their big chance to nail it down. Meanwhile Trump, the first former US president to be tried criminally, has complained that his current effort for another White House term is stymied by the court proceedings. He's taken to bringing an entourage of Republican lawmakers and higher-ups to trial, aiming to bring the campaign to the courtroom and increasingly brand the case as politicized. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records with the intent to further other crimes in the run-up to 2016's presidential election. Todd Blanche began questioning Trump's fixer-turned-foe on Tuesday afternoon under the watch of his high-profile client. After an aggressive start, his line of questioning dulled and meandered as the afternoon wore on, with yawns betraying some jurors' fatigue. The defense attorney was largely deferential when the witness -- himself a former lawyer who is not unfamiliar with courtroom strategy or proceedings -- sought to evade direct answers. Cohen has a reputation for a temper that could hurt him on the stand -- his testimony during Trump's civil fraud case last year proved chaotic -- but on Tuesday he was mostly measured in responding to Blanche's questions, which at times veered convoluted. After a day off the defense will resume Thursday morning, and it's possible they're saving their heat for when the jury has had some rest. Prosecutors have indicated that Cohen, 57, is their last witness in the case. His story has generally lined up with those of two other key witnesses: Stormy Daniels, the adult film star who says she received the hush money, and David Pecker, the one-time tabloid boss who said he worked with Trump and Cohen to suppress negative coverage of the White House hopeful during his first campaign. Will Trump testify? Trump is accused of falsifying business records to reimburse Cohen for a $130,000 payment to Daniels before the 2016 election, when her account of a sexual encounter with the then-Republican nominee could have doomed his campaign. He denies that the one-night stand with Daniels occurred. After the prosecution rests, the defense has the opportunity to present a case, though they're not required to and have not specified whether they will. Most importantly, Trump's lawyers have remained vague on whether their client will testify. The businessman famously considers himself his own best champion -- but analysts widely believe that he could be a major liability on the stand. When the jury is given the case for deliberation, the weeks of oft-salacious testimony will likely linger front-of-mind, but they'll also have stacks of documents to pore over. The interpersonal relationships of the characters in the case make it juicy, but at the end of the day the charges hinge on financial records, and whether falsifying them was done with the intent to sway the 2016 presidential vote. Prosecutors this week painstakingly detailed the alleged crimes, walking Cohen and the jury through the issue of 11 checks -- most signed by Trump -- in return for invoices Cohen said were falsified to cover up the hush money reimbursement. Cohen said he had made the payments "to ensure that the story would not come out, would not affect Mr Trump's chances of becoming president of the United States" and did so "on behalf of Mr Trump." Cohen spent 13 months in jail and another year-and-a-half under house arrest after pleading guilty in 2018 to lying to Congress and committing financial crimes. Under direct questioning he said Trump had reassured him after FBI agents, seeking evidence in the case, raided his hotel room and office in April 2018. "Don't worry, everything's going to be fine, I'm the president of the United States," Cohen recalled Trump saying. "I felt reassured because I had the president of the United States protecting me," Cohen testified.

Crunch day for Trump lawyers seeking to discredit Cohen at hush money trial

As the hush money trial progressed into its fifth week, Trump's former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, continued his testimony on Tuesday (May 14) where he alleged Trump's involvement in falsifying company documents related to a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. He was cross-examined by the defence in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's case against Trump where he revealed new details in his testimony.&nbsp;

Here are the key takeaways from Trump's hush money trial day 17:&nbsp;

-- Notable Republican figures, in a vivid display of unity, gathered in solidarity around former US President Donald Trump on Day 17 of his hush money trial at the New York courtroom.

Among those who were present were Speaker of the US House Mike Johnson, Florida Representatives Cory Mills and Byron Donalds, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, as well as GOP leader Vivek Ramaswamy.&nbsp;

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Dressed uniformly in dark blue suits and scarlet ties, the attires were reminiscent of Trump's signature style as the Republicans gathered to back Trump.&nbsp;Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett quipped, “Did they call each other in the morning to coordinate the fits?”&nbsp;

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-- Cohen's testimony marked a pivotal moment in Bragg's case against Trump. On Tuesday (May 14), Cohen&nbsp;detailed an Oval Office meeting in 2017&nbsp;where Trump purportedly discussed a reimbursement plan to him for the hush money payment Cohen made to Daniels.

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-- During his testimony, Cohen revealed crafting deceptive statements to protect Trump. He admitted his dishonesty and regret over his actions. He said that neither the Trump Organization nor the campaign played any role in the transaction and “it was Mr Donald J Trump himself."

-- Under cross-examination, Trump's defence team sought to undermine Cohen's credibility.&nbsp;Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche asked "if he wanted to see Trump found guilty," to which Cohen responded by saying,&nbsp;“I would like to see accountability. It’s not for me. It’s for the jury and this court.” When further pressed, Cohen replied saying "Sure". The defence also presented jurors with images of Trump-themed merchandise available for purchase on Cohen's website, featuring shirts depicting the former president behind bars.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the hush money trial progressed into its fifth week, Trump's former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, continued his testimony on Tuesday (May 14) where he alleged Trump's involvement in falsifying company documents related to a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election.

As the hush money trial progressed into its fifth week, Trump's former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, continued his testimony on Tuesday (May 14) where he alleged Trump's involvement in falsifying company documents related to a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. He was cross-examined by the defence in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's case against Trump where he revealed new details in his testimony. Here are the key takeaways from Trump's hush money trial day 17: -- Notable Republican figures, in a vivid display of unity, gathered in solidarity around former US President Donald Trump on Day 17 of his hush money trial at the New York courtroom. Among those who were present were Speaker of the US House Mike Johnson, Florida Representatives Cory Mills and Byron Donalds, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, as well as GOP leader Vivek Ramaswamy. Also Read | Who is Mohamed Amra, escaped drug dealer from French prison van attack? Dressed uniformly in dark blue suits and scarlet ties, the attires were reminiscent of Trump's signature style as the Republicans gathered to back Trump. Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett quipped, “Did they call each other in the morning to coordinate the fits?” Also Read | Zelensky cancels Friday visit to Spain; Ukraine withdraws troops in Kharkiv -- Cohen's testimony marked a pivotal moment in Bragg's case against Trump. On Tuesday (May 14), Cohen detailed an Oval Office meeting in 2017 where Trump purportedly discussed a reimbursement plan to him for the hush money payment Cohen made to Daniels. Watch | Russia's Putin to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing. What's on the agenda? × -- During his testimony, Cohen revealed crafting deceptive statements to protect Trump. He admitted his dishonesty and regret over his actions. He said that neither the Trump Organization nor the campaign played any role in the transaction and “it was Mr Donald J Trump himself." -- Under cross-examination, Trump's defence team sought to undermine Cohen's credibility. Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche asked "if he wanted to see Trump found guilty," to which Cohen responded by saying, “I would like to see accountability. It’s not for me. It’s for the jury and this court.” When further pressed, Cohen replied saying "Sure". The defence also presented jurors with images of Trump-themed merchandise available for purchase on Cohen's website, featuring shirts depicting the former president behind bars. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump hush money trial day 17: GOP leaders in dress code; Michael Cohen’s cross-examination, & more

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 to know more.

Hush Money Trial: Donald Trump's lawyer says 'Stormy Daniels is making money with her story'

Hush Money Trial Day 14: Donald Trump's lawyers cross-examine Stormy Daniels

On Day 2 of Stormy Daniels' testimony, Donald Trump's lawyers attempted to show inconsistencies in the porn star's detailed account&nbsp;of her alleged 2006 sexual encounter with the ex-president.

Here are the key takeaways from the significant testimony.

<h2>Defence claims Daniels 'made it all up'</h2>

Defence lawyer Susan Necheles repeatedly tried to prove that Daniels made up the encounter with Trump. However, despite a barrage of tough questions, Daniels stuck to her account.

"You're trying to make me say that it changed, but it hasn't changed," she told the lawyer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-donald-trump-hush-money-trial-719800">Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels denies cashing in on allegations levelled against former US president</a>

Daniels' cross-examination lasted nearly four hours on day two of her testimony. During it,&nbsp;Necheles questioned her about details she mentioned in her earlier testimony of the alleged encounter, compared to the versions she wrote in her book or mentioned in interviews.

Zeroing in on details, Necheles asked Daniels why in a 2018 interview with Vogue she had failed to mention that Trump's bodyguard was outside the room.

"You made all this up, right?" Necheles asked the adult film star at one point.

"No" responded Daniels. On Tuesday (May 7) she had testified that the bodyguard's presence had contributed to the power imbalance between her and Trump and had left her uncomfortable.

<h2>Request for mistrial denied AGAIN</h2>

After Daniels'&nbsp;testimony ended, Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche once again urged presiding Justice Juan Merchan to declare a mistrial.

He argued that Daniels' detailed testimony, which included explicit details like Trump skipping wearing a condom, veered into territory not relevant to the hush-money allegations against the ex-president.

"This is not a case about sex," said Blanche, adding, "This is not a case about whether that incident (the sexual tryst) took place or didn't take place."

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, once again, Judge Merchan denied the request. He reasoned that since Blanche, in his opening statement on April 22, contended that the encounter never happened, Stormy's lawyers are allowed to reestablish her credibility.

"Your denial puts the jury in a position of having to choose who they believe," said the judge.

<h2>Request for relaxation of gag order </h2>

Blanche also requested that the gag order on Trump's public comments about jurors and witnesses be loosened. He argued that Trump should be able to respond to questions about Daniels'&nbsp;testimony publicly.

"As we've said repeatedly, he needs an opportunity to respond to the American people," he said.

However, Judge Merchan, citing Trump's "track record," denied this request as well. He said, "Other witnesses, including not only Michael Cohen, will see your client doing whatever it is he intends to do."

"The reason the gag order is in place to begin with is precisely because of the nature of these attacks. The nature, the vitriol … your client's track record speaks for itself here."

Prosecutor Christopher Conroy suggested that Trump can respond while testifying in his own defence.

"If somebody wants to respond to something that's said in this room, that can happen in this room," he commented.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Day 2 of Stormy Daniels' testimony, Donald Trump's lawyers attempted to show inconsistencies in the porn star's detailed account of her alleged 2006 sexual encounter with the ex-president.

On Day 2 of Stormy Daniels' testimony, Donald Trump's lawyers attempted to show inconsistencies in the porn star's detailed account of her alleged 2006 sexual encounter with the ex-president. Here are the key takeaways from the significant testimony. Defence claims Daniels 'made it all up' Defence lawyer Susan Necheles repeatedly tried to prove that Daniels made up the encounter with Trump. However, despite a barrage of tough questions, Daniels stuck to her account. "You're trying to make me say that it changed, but it hasn't changed," she told the lawyer. Also read | Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels denies cashing in on allegations levelled against former US president Daniels' cross-examination lasted nearly four hours on day two of her testimony. During it, Necheles questioned her about details she mentioned in her earlier testimony of the alleged encounter, compared to the versions she wrote in her book or mentioned in interviews. Zeroing in on details, Necheles asked Daniels why in a 2018 interview with Vogue she had failed to mention that Trump's bodyguard was outside the room. "You made all this up, right?" Necheles asked the adult film star at one point. "No" responded Daniels. On Tuesday (May 7) she had testified that the bodyguard's presence had contributed to the power imbalance between her and Trump and had left her uncomfortable. Request for mistrial denied AGAIN After Daniels' testimony ended, Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche once again urged presiding Justice Juan Merchan to declare a mistrial. He argued that Daniels' detailed testimony, which included explicit details like Trump skipping wearing a condom, veered into territory not relevant to the hush-money allegations against the ex-president. "This is not a case about sex," said Blanche, adding, "This is not a case about whether that incident (the sexual tryst) took place or didn't take place." Also read | Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections However, once again, Judge Merchan denied the request. He reasoned that since Blanche, in his opening statement on April 22, contended that the encounter never happened, Stormy's lawyers are allowed to reestablish her credibility. "Your denial puts the jury in a position of having to choose who they believe," said the judge. Request for relaxation of gag order Blanche also requested that the gag order on Trump's public comments about jurors and witnesses be loosened. He argued that Trump should be able to respond to questions about Daniels' testimony publicly. "As we've said repeatedly, he needs an opportunity to respond to the American people," he said. However, Judge Merchan, citing Trump's "track record," denied this request as well. He said, "Other witnesses, including not only Michael Cohen, will see your client doing whatever it is he intends to do." "The reason the gag order is in place to begin with is precisely because of the nature of these attacks. The nature, the vitriol … your client's track record speaks for itself here." Prosecutor Christopher Conroy suggested that Trump can respond while testifying in his own defence. "If somebody wants to respond to something that's said in this room, that can happen in this room," he commented. (With inputs from agencies)

Judge slams Trump's 'track record': Key takeaways from Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony

Donald Trump will once again refuse to accept the results if he loses the November elections, warned US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (May 8).

Speaking during an interview with CNN, Biden said that the prospect of his Republican rival not accepting the outcome of the ballot was very high.

"I promise you he won't, which is dangerous," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>'This is Trump'</h2>

The two men last faced each other in the 2020 US elections, where Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump, a victory that the former TV personality continues to call a sham.

Trump continues to insist - without foundation, as proven by the repeated legal challenges he has lost - that he did not lose the election and that Biden's win was a result of election tampering.

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>

"How many court cases did they have? Supreme Court cases?" asked Biden.

"They all said 'This is a totally legitimate election'," he said, adding, "This is Trump."

<h2>The looming threat of violence</h2>

Slamming his opponent for his recent statements where he refused to rule out violence in case of defeat, Biden said, "You can't only love your country when you win."

Just last week while campaigning in Wisconsin, a key battleground state, Trump hinted that if he loses, he might dispute the 2024 election results.

Talking to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Trump, who is known for his election 'rigging' claims, as per AFP, had said that he would accept the result "if everything's honest."

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>

"If it's not, you have to fight for the right of the country."

Before that, in an interview with Time magazine, Trump, when asked about the possibility of physical violence in case he faces defeat in the November elections, said: "I don't think we're going to have that. I think we're going to win."

When asked, "But, what if you don't win?" the ex-president evasively answered, "If we don't win, you know, it depends. It always depends on the fairness of an election."

Already the presumptive Republican candidate has been alleging election "rigging".

On his social media platform, Truth Social, on April 30, Trump, who is currently embroiled in a hush money trial, alleged that the presiding judge was attempting to "rig" the upcoming elections.

"This Judge has taken away my Constitutional Right to FREE SPEECH. I am the only Presidential Candidate in History to be GAGGED," wrote Trump.

"This whole 'Trial' is RIGGED, and by taking away my FREEDOM OF SPEECH, THIS HIGHLY CONFLICTED JUDGE IS RIGGING THE PRESIDENTIAL OF 2024 ELECTION. ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!!" he added.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump will once again refuse to accept the results if he loses the November elections, warned US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (May 8). Speaking during an interview with CNN, Biden said that the prospect of his Republican rival not accepting the outcome of the ballot was very high.

Donald Trump will once again refuse to accept the results if he loses the November elections, warned US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (May 8). Speaking during an interview with CNN, Biden said that the prospect of his Republican rival not accepting the outcome of the ballot was very high. "I promise you he won't, which is dangerous," he said. 'This is Trump' The two men last faced each other in the 2020 US elections, where Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump, a victory that the former TV personality continues to call a sham. Trump continues to insist - without foundation, as proven by the repeated legal challenges he has lost - that he did not lose the election and that Biden's win was a result of election tampering. Also read | Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections "How many court cases did they have? Supreme Court cases?" asked Biden. "They all said 'This is a totally legitimate election'," he said, adding, "This is Trump." The looming threat of violence Slamming his opponent for his recent statements where he refused to rule out violence in case of defeat, Biden said, "You can't only love your country when you win." Just last week while campaigning in Wisconsin, a key battleground state, Trump hinted that if he loses, he might dispute the 2024 election results. Talking to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Trump, who is known for his election 'rigging' claims, as per AFP, had said that he would accept the result "if everything's honest." Also read | Porn star, Republican and Donald Trump's sneaky link: Who is Stormy Daniels? "If it's not, you have to fight for the right of the country." Before that, in an interview with Time magazine, Trump, when asked about the possibility of physical violence in case he faces defeat in the November elections, said: "I don't think we're going to have that. I think we're going to win." When asked, "But, what if you don't win?" the ex-president evasively answered, "If we don't win, you know, it depends. It always depends on the fairness of an election." Already the presumptive Republican candidate has been alleging election "rigging". On his social media platform, Truth Social, on April 30, Trump, who is currently embroiled in a hush money trial, alleged that the presiding judge was attempting to "rig" the upcoming elections. "This Judge has taken away my Constitutional Right to FREE SPEECH. I am the only Presidential Candidate in History to be GAGGED," wrote Trump. "This whole 'Trial' is RIGGED, and by taking away my FREEDOM OF SPEECH, THIS HIGHLY CONFLICTED JUDGE IS RIGGING THE PRESIDENTIAL OF 2024 ELECTION. ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!!" he added. × (With inputs from agencies)

'This is Trump': Biden warns Trump once again won't accept results if he loses November elections

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's Hush Money trial: Key witness in Trump's trial takes the stand, Stormy Daniels testifies

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 possible jail time, fines $1k for gag order violation

Trump hush money trial day 12: Judge warns Trump potential jail time for violating gag order

Day 12 of Trump's Hush Money trial: Trump says, 'Hush money case a witch-hunt'

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&nbsp;president Donald Trump, who is seeking reelection in the 2024 US elections, has refused to rule out Capitol riots like violence if he loses the election.

In an interview with Time magazine, Trump, when asked about the possibility of physical violence in case he faces defeat in the November elections, said: "I don't think we're going to have that. I think we're going to win."

When asked "but, what if you don't win?," the businessman evasively answered, "If we don't win, you know, it depends. It always depends on the fairness of an election."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-cant-rule-out-building-detention-camps-in-us-for-illegal-migrants-716796">Trump says&nbsp;‘can’t&nbsp;rule out’&nbsp;building detention camps in US for illegal&nbsp;migrants</a>

This comes as, once again, he alleged election "rigging".

<h2>'Rigged' elections</h2>

Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump on Tuesday accused Judge Juan Merchan, the judge presiding over his hush money trial in Manhattan, of "rigging" the 2024 election. The accusation comes after Judge Merchan ruled that the ex-president violated a gag order stemming from the case.

"This Judge has taken away my Constitutional Right to FREE SPEECH. I am the only Presidential Candidate in History to be GAGGED," wrote Trump.

"This whole 'Trial' is RIGGED, and by taking away my FREEDOM OF SPEECH, THIS HIGHLY CONFLICTED JUDGE IS RIGGING THE PRESIDENTIAL OF 2024 ELECTION. ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!!" he added.

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Earlier on Tuesday, the judge found Trump's posts on Truth Social violating a gag order&nbsp;imposed last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-trial-former-president-fined-9000-for-violating-gag-order-716742">Trump hush money trial: Former US president fined $9,000 for violating gag order</a>

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office had accused Trump of violating the order 14 times since its imposition. Finding Donald Trump in violation of the order on nine separate occasions via his social media posts, he was ordered to pay $9,000 in total, a $1,000 fine per violation.

<h2>Raising the stakes</h2>

Also on Tuesday, a filing showed that Trump has raised his stake in Trump Media &amp; Technology Group (TMTG), the company that operates his social media app Truth Social to nearly 65 per cent. As per Reuters, last week, the Republican presidential candidate secured 36 million shares of TMTG.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US president Donald Trump, who is seeking reelection in the 2024 US elections, has refused to rule out Capitol riots like violence if he loses the election.

Former US president Donald Trump, who is seeking reelection in the 2024 US elections, has refused to rule out Capitol riots like violence if he loses the election. In an interview with Time magazine, Trump, when asked about the possibility of physical violence in case he faces defeat in the November elections, said: "I don't think we're going to have that. I think we're going to win." When asked "but, what if you don't win?," the businessman evasively answered, "If we don't win, you know, it depends. It always depends on the fairness of an election." Also read | Trump says ‘can’t rule out’ building detention camps in US for illegal migrants This comes as, once again, he alleged election "rigging". 'Rigged' elections Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump on Tuesday accused Judge Juan Merchan, the judge presiding over his hush money trial in Manhattan, of "rigging" the 2024 election. The accusation comes after Judge Merchan ruled that the ex-president violated a gag order stemming from the case. "This Judge has taken away my Constitutional Right to FREE SPEECH. I am the only Presidential Candidate in History to be GAGGED," wrote Trump. "This whole 'Trial' is RIGGED, and by taking away my FREEDOM OF SPEECH, THIS HIGHLY CONFLICTED JUDGE IS RIGGING THE PRESIDENTIAL OF 2024 ELECTION. ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!!" he added. × Earlier on Tuesday, the judge found Trump's posts on Truth Social violating a gag order imposed last month. Also read | Trump hush money trial: Former US president fined $9,000 for violating gag order Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office had accused Trump of violating the order 14 times since its imposition. Finding Donald Trump in violation of the order on nine separate occasions via his social media posts, he was ordered to pay $9,000 in total, a $1,000 fine per violation. Raising the stakes Also on Tuesday, a filing showed that Trump has raised his stake in Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the company that operates his social media app Truth Social to nearly 65 per cent. As per Reuters, last week, the Republican presidential candidate secured 36 million shares of TMTG. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections

Donald Trump was held in contempt of court Tuesday and fined $9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others connected to his New York hush money case. If he does it again, the judge warned, he could be jailed. Watch in for more details!

Decoding Trump's legal quandry: Trump held in contempt, fined for violating gag order

The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s historic criminal case fined the former United States president $9,000 after holding him in contempt of court for repeatedly violating a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others related to the ongoing trial.&nbsp;

<h2>Trump warned about jail time</h2>

The order by Justice Juan Merchan came as the proceedings in the trial resumed in Manhattan criminal court, on Tuesday (Apr 30). Earlier this month, prosecutors had alleged 10 violations of the gag order, but the judge found there were nine.&nbsp;

Trump, according to the Associated Press, has also been warned by the judge that if he violates the gag order again, he could be jailed. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-trial-key-witness-reveals-alleged-catch-and-kill-scheme-to-buy-sex-stories-715080">Trump hush money trial: Key witness reveals alleged 'catch and kill' scheme to buy sex stories</a>

In his written order, Merchan said that Trump “is hereby warned that the Court will not tolerate continued willful violations of its lawful orders and that if necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, it will impose an incarceratory punishment.”

He also noted that this fine may not be enough to serve as a deterrent for the former president, and lamented he did not have the authority to impose a higher penalty.

The judge has also ordered Trump to remove seven statements from his Truth Social account and two from his campaign website by 2:15 pm (local time).&nbsp;

Merchan said he would consider whether to impose additional fines at a hearing on Thursday (May 2). The former president has been fined $1,000 for each of nine online statements that the judge said violated the order.&nbsp;

Last month, the judge imposed a gag order on Trump on the prosecutors’ request to block him from speaking about the witnesses.&nbsp;

The order was later expanded to include his own family members and those of the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat who brought the charges against the former president.&nbsp;

<h2>Proceedings on Tuesday</h2>

The court on Tuesday will reportedly begin with testimony from a banker who is said to be familiar with the former president’s accounts and the alleged scheme to pay hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and falsifying business records to cover the payments.&nbsp;

Banker Gary Farro, who has not been accused of wrongdoing, reportedly&nbsp;helped Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen open accounts, including one that was used to pay hush money to Daniels.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-hush-money-trial-violation-of-gag-order-can-lead-to-fines-jail-time-say-new-york-prosecutors-711653">Trump’s hush money trial: Violation of gag order can lead to fines, jail time, say New York prosecutors</a>

The charges in the case stem from alleged accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. &nbsp;

<h2>‘TRUMP 24’</h2>

Trump is the first former US president to face a criminal trial, which began on April 22 after the selection of the jury. But he is also the presumptive Republican candidate for the upcoming presidential election and campaigning when he is not in court.&nbsp;

On Tuesday morning, around two dozen supporters rallied outside the courthouse chanting and waving banners that read “TRUMP 24,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The hush money case is one of the four criminal cases against Trump, but the only one which went to trial and will result in a verdict ahead of the November elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s historic criminal case fined the former United States president $9,000 after holding him in contempt of court for repeatedly violating a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others related to the ongoing trial.

The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s historic criminal case fined the former United States president $9,000 after holding him in contempt of court for repeatedly violating a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others related to the ongoing trial. Trump warned about jail time The order by Justice Juan Merchan came as the proceedings in the trial resumed in Manhattan criminal court, on Tuesday (Apr 30). Earlier this month, prosecutors had alleged 10 violations of the gag order, but the judge found there were nine. Trump, according to the Associated Press, has also been warned by the judge that if he violates the gag order again, he could be jailed. Also Read | Trump hush money trial: Key witness reveals alleged 'catch and kill' scheme to buy sex stories In his written order, Merchan said that Trump “is hereby warned that the Court will not tolerate continued willful violations of its lawful orders and that if necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, it will impose an incarceratory punishment.” He also noted that this fine may not be enough to serve as a deterrent for the former president, and lamented he did not have the authority to impose a higher penalty. The judge has also ordered Trump to remove seven statements from his Truth Social account and two from his campaign website by 2:15 pm (local time). Merchan said he would consider whether to impose additional fines at a hearing on Thursday (May 2). The former president has been fined $1,000 for each of nine online statements that the judge said violated the order. Last month, the judge imposed a gag order on Trump on the prosecutors’ request to block him from speaking about the witnesses. The order was later expanded to include his own family members and those of the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat who brought the charges against the former president. Proceedings on Tuesday The court on Tuesday will reportedly begin with testimony from a banker who is said to be familiar with the former president’s accounts and the alleged scheme to pay hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and falsifying business records to cover the payments. Banker Gary Farro, who has not been accused of wrongdoing, reportedly helped Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen open accounts, including one that was used to pay hush money to Daniels. Also Read | Trump’s hush money trial: Violation of gag order can lead to fines, jail time, say New York prosecutors The charges in the case stem from alleged accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. ‘TRUMP 24’ Trump is the first former US president to face a criminal trial, which began on April 22 after the selection of the jury. But he is also the presumptive Republican candidate for the upcoming presidential election and campaigning when he is not in court. On Tuesday morning, around two dozen supporters rallied outside the courthouse chanting and waving banners that read “TRUMP 24,” reported Reuters. The hush money case is one of the four criminal cases against Trump, but the only one which went to trial and will result in a verdict ahead of the November elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump hush money trial: Former US president fined $9,000 for violating gag order

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: Donald Trump fined $9,000 for violations of judge’s gag order

Former US president Donald Trump’s attorneys on Friday (Apr 26) tried discrediting a former tabloid publisher over his claims that his news outlet tried to suppress facts that could&nbsp;have a negative effect on&nbsp;Trump’s presidential campaign of 2016.

On Friday, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker was grilled by Trump’s defence. Pecker earlier testified that he worked with Trump’s campaign to suppress allegations of adultery. Trump lawyer Emil Bove tried highlighting discrepancies in his testimony.

Bove questioned whether Trump had actually thanked Pecker for handling negative stories as he claimed in his testimony. The defence raised questions as his statement conflicted with a report by FBI agents who previously interviewed Pecker, which said Trump had not expressed gratitude. But Pecker in his defence claimed that the FBI report itself could be wrong.

"I know what I testified to, and I know what I remember," Pecker told the court, where 12 jurors and six alternates had assembled to hear Trump’s hush money trial. The case revolves around Trump allegedly falsifying business records and making payments to a porn star shortly before the elections to hide his illicit sexual relationship.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj8s6e6wuCFAxXpyjgGHegjBVIQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-trial-key-witness-reveals-alleged-catch-and-kill-scheme-to-buy-sex-stories-715080" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-trial-key-witness-reveals-alleged-catch-and-kill-scheme-to-buy-sex-stories-715080&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8s6e6wuCFAxXpyjgGHegjBVIQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Trump hush money trial: Key witness reveals alleged `catch and kill` scheme to buy sex stories</a>

Pecker has testified that his tabloid paid to "catch and kill" two of those stories.

Trump denies these charges and has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought by New York prosecutors.

<h2>Pecker’s arguments</h2>

Pecker argued that it was usual for major celebrities to get in touch with Enquirer to get good publicity and kill negative stories about them. He also claimed to have served other celebrities in the past, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tiger Woods.

Pecker said how his paper first helped Trump back in 1998 as it gave him a heads up about a negative story linked to Marla Maples, his wife at the time.

Watch:&nbsp;Trump immunity trial: Trump faces SC immunity test as 'hush money trial' continues

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Prosecutors allege that this kind of arrangement between the two sides corrupted the 2016 elections.

Justice Juan Merchan, who is hearing the hush money trial, is yet to rule on the gag order violations by Trump, who&nbsp;could be fined&nbsp;$10,000 for these violations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US president Donald Trump’s attorneys on Friday (Apr 26) tried discrediting a former tabloid publisher over his claims that his news outlet tried to suppress facts that could have a negative effect on Trump’s presidential campaign of 2016.

Former US president Donald Trump’s attorneys on Friday (Apr 26) tried discrediting a former tabloid publisher over his claims that his news outlet tried to suppress facts that could have a negative effect on Trump’s presidential campaign of 2016. On Friday, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker was grilled by Trump’s defence. Pecker earlier testified that he worked with Trump’s campaign to suppress allegations of adultery. Trump lawyer Emil Bove tried highlighting discrepancies in his testimony. Bove questioned whether Trump had actually thanked Pecker for handling negative stories as he claimed in his testimony. The defence raised questions as his statement conflicted with a report by FBI agents who previously interviewed Pecker, which said Trump had not expressed gratitude. But Pecker in his defence claimed that the FBI report itself could be wrong. "I know what I testified to, and I know what I remember," Pecker told the court, where 12 jurors and six alternates had assembled to hear Trump’s hush money trial. The case revolves around Trump allegedly falsifying business records and making payments to a porn star shortly before the elections to hide his illicit sexual relationship. Also read: Trump hush money trial: Key witness reveals alleged `catch and kill` scheme to buy sex stories Pecker has testified that his tabloid paid to "catch and kill" two of those stories. Trump denies these charges and has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought by New York prosecutors. Pecker’s arguments Pecker argued that it was usual for major celebrities to get in touch with Enquirer to get good publicity and kill negative stories about them. He also claimed to have served other celebrities in the past, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tiger Woods. Pecker said how his paper first helped Trump back in 1998 as it gave him a heads up about a negative story linked to Marla Maples, his wife at the time. Watch: Trump immunity trial: Trump faces SC immunity test as 'hush money trial' continues × Prosecutors allege that this kind of arrangement between the two sides corrupted the 2016 elections. Justice Juan Merchan, who is hearing the hush money trial, is yet to rule on the gag order violations by Trump, who could be fined $10,000 for these violations. (With inputs from agencies)

Hush money trial: Trump’s defence grills publisher Pecker over ‘discrepancies’ in testimony

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!

Trump Hush Money Case: Donald Trump's historic criminal trial wraps up for the week

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: Trump prosecutors ask to punish him for violating gag order

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

In former US president Donald Trump’s hush money trial, prosecutors in their opening statement Monday (Apr 22) said he indeed engaged in a “criminal” scheme and subsequent cover-up.

“This case is about a criminal conspiracy and a coverup,” prosecutor Matthew Colangelo told jurors in a Manhattan court in attendance of the former president.

Earlier, Trump arrived at the New York courthouse where prosecutors explained why the alleged hush money payment to a porn star ahead of the 2016 presidential elections amounted to a crime and warranted charges.

As per allegations, Trump made payments to porn star&nbsp;Stormy Daniels through his then-attorney Michael Cohen.&nbsp;

Prosecutors said&nbsp;Cohen made the payment "at the defendant's direction, and did it to influence the election."

An attorney from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office said the reimbursements were part of a scheme that amounted to "election fraud, pure and simple."

<h2>David Pecker called as first witness</h2>

Prosecutors&nbsp;also called David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc., or AMI, the parent company of the National Enquirer, as their first witness to the stand.&nbsp;Pecker is facing allegations that he helped&nbsp;Trump during the 2016 campaign by burying negative stories about him and attacking his rivals.

Watch:&nbsp;US: Opening statements set to begin in Donald Trump's hush money case trial

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Pecker. while being in the stand, flashed a broad smile at the court, defying the gravity of the moment.&nbsp;

Pecker would return for the testimony tomorrow.

<h2>The defence's statement</h2>

Trump's attorney Todd Blanche delivered the defence's opening statement, saying the jury is "going to learn that this was not a payback."

Blanche added that the money paid to&nbsp;Cohen was for&nbsp;his services as Trump's personal attorney, not as reimbursement for the Daniels payment.&nbsp;

"There's nothing wrong with trying to influence an election. It's called democracy. They've put something sinister on this idea, as if it was a crime," Blanche continued. "President Trump fought back like he always does, and like he's entitled to do. To protect his family, his reputation and his brand. And that is not a crime."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwie7qqsqtaFAxU7XmwGHXvHBYoQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juror-excused-from-trump-hush-money-trial-due-to-fear-of-influence-what-you-need-to-know-712675" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/juror-excused-from-trump-hush-money-trial-due-to-fear-of-influence-what-you-need-to-know-712675&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie7qqsqtaFAxU7XmwGHXvHBYoQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Juror excused from Trump hush money trial due to fear of influence: What you need to know</a>

Blanche then trained his&nbsp;guns on Cohen, saying he was&nbsp;"obsessed" with Trump and had been for "many, many years." He also claimed that the former attorney tried to throw Trump under the bus when he faced federal charges.

He argued that Cohen decided "to blame President Trump for all of his problems" when he was arrested on federal charges in 2018.

"I submit to you that he cannot be trusted," the defence stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

In former US president Donald Trump’s hush money trial, prosecutors in their opening statement Monday (Apr 22) said he indeed engaged in a “criminal” scheme and subsequent cover-up.

In former US president Donald Trump’s hush money trial, prosecutors in their opening statement Monday (Apr 22) said he indeed engaged in a “criminal” scheme and subsequent cover-up. “This case is about a criminal conspiracy and a coverup,” prosecutor Matthew Colangelo told jurors in a Manhattan court in attendance of the former president. Earlier, Trump arrived at the New York courthouse where prosecutors explained why the alleged hush money payment to a porn star ahead of the 2016 presidential elections amounted to a crime and warranted charges. As per allegations, Trump made payments to porn star Stormy Daniels through his then-attorney Michael Cohen. Prosecutors said Cohen made the payment "at the defendant's direction, and did it to influence the election." An attorney from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office said the reimbursements were part of a scheme that amounted to "election fraud, pure and simple." David Pecker called as first witness Prosecutors also called David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc., or AMI, the parent company of the National Enquirer, as their first witness to the stand. Pecker is facing allegations that he helped Trump during the 2016 campaign by burying negative stories about him and attacking his rivals. Watch: US: Opening statements set to begin in Donald Trump's hush money case trial × Pecker. while being in the stand, flashed a broad smile at the court, defying the gravity of the moment. Pecker would return for the testimony tomorrow. The defence's statement Trump's attorney Todd Blanche delivered the defence's opening statement, saying the jury is "going to learn that this was not a payback." Blanche added that the money paid to Cohen was for his services as Trump's personal attorney, not as reimbursement for the Daniels payment. "There's nothing wrong with trying to influence an election. It's called democracy. They've put something sinister on this idea, as if it was a crime," Blanche continued. "President Trump fought back like he always does, and like he's entitled to do. To protect his family, his reputation and his brand. And that is not a crime." Also read: Juror excused from Trump hush money trial due to fear of influence: What you need to know Blanche then trained his guns on Cohen, saying he was "obsessed" with Trump and had been for "many, many years." He also claimed that the former attorney tried to throw Trump under the bus when he faced federal charges. He argued that Cohen decided "to blame President Trump for all of his problems" when he was arrested on federal charges in 2018. "I submit to you that he cannot be trusted," the defence stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Hush money trial: Prosecutors say Trump engaged in ‘criminal’ scheme, subsequent cover-up

The United States is set to witness what could be seen as its most sensational trial. History is being created as for the very first time a former US President who is also seeking reelection is standing a criminal trial. Watch in for more details!

US | Trump Hush Money Trial: Opening arguments begin in Trump's criminal trial

A man set himself on fire, on Friday (Apr 19) outside the New York courthouse where former United States President Donald Trump’s historic trial was underway, according to American media reports. The police later confirmed the incident and said that the person is&nbsp;in critical condition and was&nbsp;in the Cornell Burn Unit.&nbsp;

The shocking incident took place after the full panel, which included 12 jurors and six alternates, was selected. The judge after the selection of the full panel said that he expects the trial to begin on Monday (Apr 22).

The charges are related to the case where Trump has been accused of paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and falsifying business records to cover the payments.

<h2>Man sets himself on fire</h2>

New York Police Department Chief&nbsp;Jeffrey&nbsp;Maddrey said that the&nbsp;man walked into the centre&nbsp;of Collect Pond Park, which is directly across from the Manhattan&nbsp;courthouse where Trump is on trial. Subsequently, he opened his backpack and took out pamphlets that he scattered in the park.

“And then he pulls out a canister and pours some kind of liquid on himself...and he lights himself on fire," said&nbsp;Maddrey. The people and officers around the man&nbsp;try to&nbsp;put the fire out using their coats and fire extinguishers.&nbsp;

He also noted that the man did not&nbsp;breach security protocols as the park was open to the public.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Jury selected for Donald Trump's historic criminal hush money trial

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“I see a totally charred human being,” one of the CNN reporters said on air. A person on the scene told Reuters that he first heard the man throwing pamphlets into the air, then saw him douse himself from a can before setting himself on fire.

“At that point, I said, ‘Oh shoot, what am I going to see?’” the witness, who called himself Dave and declined to give his last name, told the news agency, adding that the man burned for several minutes.&nbsp;

A New York emergency official said that the person was taken away on a stretcher after apparently setting himself on fire as the police quickly secured the scene of the incident.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-in-three-us-adults-think-trump-did-something-illegal-as-historic-hush-money-trial-gets-underway-712042">Only one-third of Americans think Trump did something illegal as hush money trial gets underway</a>

One of the pamphlets, according to Reuters, referred to “evil billionaires” and called on people to “expose this corruption.”

Kaz Daughtry, the New York Police Department deputy commissioner of operations took to X and said "there are no public safety threats, please expect increased traffic congestion in the area as our detectives conduct their investigation."&nbsp;

<h2>‘We have our full panel’</h2>

The shocking incident took place outside the Manhattan courthouse as the alternates for the jury were being selected. “We have our full panel,” said Judge Juan Merchan after the selection of the five alternates.&nbsp;

After the selection, the last five alternates, four women and one man, were sworn in. Merchan expects the trial to begin on Monday and instructed jurors not to discuss the case with others or research it.

He also said that there are 18 jurors in total and we cannot start until all are present each day.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-hush-money-trial-court-selects-12-jurors-an-alternate-announces-we-have-our-jury-712751">Trump's hush money trial: Court selects 12 jurors &amp; an alternate, announces 'we have our jury'</a>

Trump is the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges.&nbsp;

However, the former president has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat.&nbsp;

The indictment includes charges of accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A man set himself on fire, on Friday (Apr 19) outside the New York courthouse where former United States President Donald Trump’s historic trial was underway, according to American media reports.

A man set himself on fire, on Friday (Apr 19) outside the New York courthouse where former United States President Donald Trump’s historic trial was underway, according to American media reports. The police later confirmed the incident and said that the person is in critical condition and was in the Cornell Burn Unit. The shocking incident took place after the full panel, which included 12 jurors and six alternates, was selected. The judge after the selection of the full panel said that he expects the trial to begin on Monday (Apr 22). The charges are related to the case where Trump has been accused of paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and falsifying business records to cover the payments. Man sets himself on fire New York Police Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey said that the man walked into the centre of Collect Pond Park, which is directly across from the Manhattan courthouse where Trump is on trial. Subsequently, he opened his backpack and took out pamphlets that he scattered in the park. “And then he pulls out a canister and pours some kind of liquid on himself...and he lights himself on fire," said Maddrey. The people and officers around the man try to put the fire out using their coats and fire extinguishers. He also noted that the man did not breach security protocols as the park was open to the public. WATCH | Jury selected for Donald Trump's historic criminal hush money trial “I see a totally charred human being,” one of the CNN reporters said on air. A person on the scene told Reuters that he first heard the man throwing pamphlets into the air, then saw him douse himself from a can before setting himself on fire. “At that point, I said, ‘Oh shoot, what am I going to see?’” the witness, who called himself Dave and declined to give his last name, told the news agency, adding that the man burned for several minutes. A New York emergency official said that the person was taken away on a stretcher after apparently setting himself on fire as the police quickly secured the scene of the incident. Also Read | Only one-third of Americans think Trump did something illegal as hush money trial gets underway One of the pamphlets, according to Reuters, referred to “evil billionaires” and called on people to “expose this corruption.” Kaz Daughtry, the New York Police Department deputy commissioner of operations took to X and said "there are no public safety threats, please expect increased traffic congestion in the area as our detectives conduct their investigation." ‘We have our full panel’ The shocking incident took place outside the Manhattan courthouse as the alternates for the jury were being selected. “We have our full panel,” said Judge Juan Merchan after the selection of the five alternates. After the selection, the last five alternates, four women and one man, were sworn in. Merchan expects the trial to begin on Monday and instructed jurors not to discuss the case with others or research it. He also said that there are 18 jurors in total and we cannot start until all are present each day. Also Read | Trump's hush money trial: Court selects 12 jurors & an alternate, announces 'we have our jury' Trump is the first-ever former US president to go on trial for criminal charges. However, the former president has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. The indictment includes charges of accounting fraud and falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump hush money trial: Man sets himself on fire outside NY court; full jury, six alternates selected

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