Trump hush money trial day 19: Defence witness in heated exchange; Cohen admits to stealing

On Day 19 of Donald Trump’s hush money trial, the prosecution concluded its case, presenting over 200 pieces of evidence and testimony from 20 witnesses. The defence began its rebuttal, which was marked by dramatic courtroom moments and heated exchanges.

Here are the key takeaways from Day 19 of Trump's hush money trail:

- Prosecution rests case

The prosecution wrapped up after days of extensive testimonies from Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels, former Trump aide Hope Hicks, and ex-National Enquirer publisher David Pecker. Michael Cohen repeated his allegations that Trump directed him to pay Daniels and approved the reimbursement plan central to the charges.

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Trump's attorney Todd Blanche, during cross-examination,attempted to discredit Cohen’s reliability. Prosecutors bolstered their case with documents and expert testimonies to corroborate Cohen's claims.

- Defence witness infuriates judge

Defence witness Robert Costello faced Judge Juan Merchan's ire for repeatedly violating courtroom decorum. Merchan rebuked Costello for his audible complaints and disrespectful behaviour, even clearing the courtroom of the press momentarily. "When there’s a witness on the stand, if you don’t like my ruling, you don’t say ‘jeez,’” Judge Merchan told Costello. “You don’t give me a side eye and you don’t roll your eyes.”

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Merchan said, “I’m putting you on notice that your conduct is contemptuous" and “if you try to stare me down one more time, I will remove you from the stand.” Costello will continue his testimony under cross-examination by prosecutor Susan Hoffinger.

- Trump's defence, Cohen's theft

The defence, having started its case with Costello and a paralegal, seems poised to rest on Tuesday (May 21).Judge Merchan scheduled closing arguments for next Tuesday (May 28).

Earlier, in an admission of theft, Cohen under cross-examination said he stole $60,000 from the Trump Organization, citing frustration over an unpaid bonus.

He also reaffirmed his testimony that Trump authorised the payment to Daniels.

- Prosecutors vs defence over Cohen’s call

Blanche had questioned Cohen's account of a phone call updating Trump on the Daniels payment by calling Trump’s former bodyguardKeith Schiller at8:02 pm on October 24, 2016.

Blanche said that it was actually about a harassing prank caller.

However, Prosecutor Susan Hoffingercountered with evidence, placing Trump and his bodyguard together at the time of the call at aTrump’s rally.

Cohen maintained he spoke with Trump about Daniels numerous times in October 2016, standing firm despite rigorous cross-examination.

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With the trial nearing its conclusion, the case against Trump is about to be handed to the jury, who will deliberate based on the extensive testimonies and evidence presented over the past month.

(With inputs from agencies)