Results for: Hush Money Case

Former President Donald Trump’s attorney, Will Scharf, has alleged political weaponization of the legal system in the hush-money case against his client. Scharf cited the involvement of Matthew Colangelo, a former Biden administration official, as assistant district attorney in the prosecution. He also raised concerns about Judge Juan M. Merchan’s refusal to recuse himself despite alleged conflicts of interest. Trump’s legal team intends to challenge the conviction on appeal, arguing due process violations and biased jury instructions. Scharf emphasized Trump’s right to comment on matters of public importance, including the alleged politicization of prosecution.

Actor Robert De Niro has weighed in on former President Donald Trump’s guilty verdict in his high-profile hush-money case. Speaking at the red carpet for his new movie, “Ezra,” in New York City, De Niro told reporters, “I think justice was served.” He noted that this was “just one part of the whole picture” and expressed his concern about Trump’s potential impact on the upcoming presidential election. De Niro has been a vocal critic of Trump for years, and in the past, he has said he wanted to punch Trump in the face.

Donald Trump’s legal woes continue to mount as he faces a contempt hearing in the hush-money case. His niece, clinical psychologist Mary Trump, says the prosecutors’ emphasis on his ‘extrajudicial statements’ and requests for sanctions, including fines and potential imprisonment, could be seen as a ‘loss of control’ and a threat to the proceedings’ integrity. She also believes that Trump could see jail time as an opportunity to play the victim and rally his supporters.

During a pre-taped interview with a local Philadelphia news station, former President Donald Trump attacked key witness Michael Cohen in his hush-money trial, defying a court gag order. Judge Juan Merchan rebuked Trump’s lawyers for failing to defend against multiple violations of the order, highlighting that Trump has breached it at least ten times through social media and campaign website statements. Prosecutors are seeking a $1,000 fine per violation. Trump labeled Cohen as a ‘convicted liar’ with no credibility, stating that his former lawyer’s legal troubles stemmed from personal matters. Cohen is set to testify about his role in a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to suppress her alleged affair with Trump.

Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance warns that Donald Trump could risk prison time if he violates a gag order in his hush-money case and refuses to remove social media posts. Vance’s comments come as prosecutors have asked the judge to fine Trump $10,000 for contempt of court. If Trump persists in violating the order, Vance believes a fine alone may not be sufficient and custodial time could be merited. Legal analyst Andrew Weissmann also suggests the appointment of a monitor to screen Trump’s social media posts to ensure compliance with the gag order.

David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer and a close associate of Donald Trump, resumed his testimony in Trump’s hush money case on Tuesday. Pecker described a meeting with Trump, Michael Cohen, and Hope Hicks in 2015, where he agreed to publish positive stories about Trump, purchase negative stories, and keep an eye out for rumors or negative stories about Trump and his family. Pecker also testified about the early stages of his relationship with Trump and the growth of their relationship as Trump’s reality TV show, ‘The Apprentice,’ gained popularity. He said that Trump would often share content from the show with him for free publication in his magazines. Pecker’s testimony is a key part of the prosecution’s case, which alleges that Trump and Cohen engaged in a ‘catch-and-kill’ strategy to bury negative stories about Trump’s personal life that could harm his campaign.

Former President Donald Trump faces a myriad of legal challenges, including allegations of attempting to subvert the 2020 election results. However, a New York trial centering on alleged hush money payments to silence an adult film actor may provide the only legal reckoning this year on Trump’s potential interference with American democracy.

Manhattan prosecutors have accused former President Donald Trump of violating a gag order multiple times by attacking witnesses and jurors involved in his hush money case. If the judge finds Trump in violation, he could face a range of penalties, including a warning, fine, or jail time.