Donald Trump's motorcade has departed Trump Tower and is en route to the Manhattan criminal court where a significant hearing is set to take place. The focus of the hearing will be on David Pecker, Trump's longtime friend and former chief executive of American Media.
Pecker is expected to return to the stand to testify about his involvement in a 'catch and kill' scheme, as well as his role in arranging nondisclosure agreements for negative stories about Trump. Prosecutors will aim to provide a detailed account of these activities during the hearing.
Prior to the main proceedings, the judge will address the issue of Trump's repeated violations of the gag order. This order prohibits the former president from publicly discussing witnesses or jurors involved in the hush money case. The gag order hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. ET.
If arguments extend beyond 11 a.m. ET, the judge has indicated that they will be continued at a later time. In such a scenario, the court will reconvene to question Pecker, who is testifying as a witness under subpoena from the Manhattan DA.
Due to the Passover holiday, the court proceedings are expected to conclude by 2 p.m. ET. This timeline has been set to accommodate the holiday observances.
