Judge Juan Merchan presided over a courtroom hearing where former President Donald Trump, flanked by his attorneys Susan Necheles and Emil Bove, awaited the start of proceedings. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg was present in the second row behind the prosecution table.
The hearing commenced with Trump seeking to dismiss the trial, prevent testimony from Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, and request a 90-day trial delay. Trump accused the district attorney of engaging in what he described as 'widespread conduct.'
Judge Merchan proceeded to review key points from Trump's filing, which included allegations that the DA's office was attempting to interfere in the 2024 election and employing a strategy to 'conceal the truth.'